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Since October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, this month’s Techspert article will focus on cybersecurity. Here are five cybersecurity tips that you can easily apply today without paying a penny.
#1 Use 2-Factor Authentication (2FA)
There are three possible factors of authentication:
- Something you know: this includes authentications like passwords, PINs, secret questions and answers, etc.
- Something you have: a physical item you possess, like a key, a smart card, a security token, etc.
- Something you are: this involves your biometrics like fingerprint, facial recognition, voice, etc.
Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, combines any two of the factors above to add an extra layer of security before giving access to a given account.
2FA is highly recommended for your primary email and bank accounts.
#2 Protect Your Mobile Devices
Since smartphones are the most common second factor of 2FA, they must be protected as well – not only in the literal sense. Here are ways you can protect your smartphone:
- Use a strong PIN or password combined with your fingerprint or facial recognition.
- Enable device encryption to protect your data when your phone is locked. Back up your smartphone regularly to an external drive or cloud storage.
#3 Always Update Your Software
Keep your device software and operating system updated to ensure security patches are in place to fix any vulnerabilities.
Keep your Antivirus Software updated as well.
#4 Limit Access Permission for Apps
Limit access permission for apps on your smartphone to minimize potential security risks.
- Open the Settings app and tap Privacy & Security to adjust app permissions.
#5 Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for suspicious activities, as well as your other online accounts.
What to do next?
Check out the Senior Planet resources to help you stay safe online and join the Everything Tech and Ask a Tech Expert groups on the Senior Planet Community platform to ask any tech questions you might have.
Your Turn
Use the comment below to share with everyone any cybersecurity tip you know! 🔒
Techspert Jonathan is Senior Planet’s Sr. Digital Community Relations and Product Specialist and a former Senior Planet San Antonio technology trainer. He is also an iOS developer with a background in Information Systems and Cyber Security.
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Jonathan, Senior Planet’s Techspert columnist, answers one of your questions every month.
