Our society certainly revolves around the internet today. Everything from social media to eCommerce to conducting business online is part of our everyday world now. It’s more important than ever to protect yourself online and keep your data secure.
Just as the world has evolved into the virtual space, so has insurance. At Lake Region Insurance Agency, we work tirelessly to protect your information. And we offer cyber liability insurance for added security for those who need it.
Connect with one of our independent agents today to see how we can serve you and your insurance needs.
Protect Yourself Online in Every Way Possible
Viruses, malware, and hackers lurk everywhere. So it is wise to make use of the most thorough and reputable protection you can. In addition to paid security options, there are plenty of things you can do that don’t cost a dime. Here are eight ways to protect yourself online without spending extra money.
1. Make It a Family Affair
Learning how to stay safe online requires education. As children are getting online younger and younger, it’s crucial that you teach them how to stay safe. Some of the essential rules for them to learn include:
- Never tell their passwords to anyone but you. And make sure you know or have all of their passwords.
- Never tell anyone online their name or location.
- Never send photos of themselves to anyone online.
Scammers, hackers, and other unsavory predators are extremely good at convincing children to break the rules. Try to keep your child within your sight when they are online.
Your children may not be the only ones vulnerable in this digital era. Your parents or grandparents are also likely targets for scammers. Be sure to help them learn how to stay safe online, as well.
2. Manage Your Passwords Carefully
Password management helps protect you and your assets by working to keep the bad guys at bay. Set a reminder on your phone or in your calendar to change your passwords every few months. At the very least, do this for your banking and credit card sites.
There is a surprising amount of easily-accessible data about you online. And hackers and bots will use that data when trying to guess your passwords. In general, create passwords that meet the following requirements:
- Minimum of eight characters
- A mixture of letters, numbers, and symbols
- A combination of lowercase and uppercase letters
- No version of your name – This includes first, middle, and last names.
- No pet names
- No portion of your user name
- No birth dates, anniversaries, or phone numbers
- No social security numbers
- Unique passwords for each site
If you struggle to create strong passwords, there are password generators available to help. And to keep them all secure, you can consider using a password manager, as well.
3. You’ve Got Mail
Be cautious of emails you receive from an unknown source. Don’t click on links and never reply with personal information or bank account numbers.
Unfortunately, you must be wary of emails that appear to come from legitimate companies, too, such as Amazon or Apple. Many scams trick people into thinking the email is from a real account. And many of these attempts are very convincing.
No business or bank will ever ask you to send information like your SSN or credit card numbers to them by email. Always log into your accounts to handle any business with those institutions.
4. Be a Cautious Social Butterfly
Social media has become ever-present in our society. Millions of people use it to connect with others and to run their businesses.
But you must keep in mind that nothing you share on social media is truly private. No matter how many security measures are set up, that information is out of your hands once you share it. So be cautious about anything you post publicly.
5. Be Careful with Public Wi-Fi
Avoid using any computer except your own or your company’s. Public devices do not have the same level of protection in place and carry greater risk. Remember to log out of every online account and web browser you use while on any computer but your own.
Similarly, be cautious when using shared, public Wi-Fi, such as at a coffee shop. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts when you are not on your home internet.
Consider setting up two-step authentication for any account that offers it. Although it makes logging in a slightly longer process, it does give you extra protection. This option can help you protect yourself online no matter where you are.
6. Back It Up
Data breaches happen regularly. In 2019, there were more than 2000 events that exposed millions of people’s information.
Backing up your information to at least one secure location will allow you to retrieve your data. For some people, using an external hard drive might be enough. But most people also use a cloud storage system, such as Google. Many data storage providers have redundant security measures to keep your back-up safe.
7. Don’t Ignore the Operating System Updates
Your operating system often offers updates that may seem time-consuming. And you may not even notice any difference after an update. While this may feel like a waste of time, updating your operating system regularly is vital to your data security.
Updates frequently include measures to boost the capability of your malware and firewall. These systems need to remain up-to-date to protect your data from viruses and other attacks.
8. Pay Attention to Your Business Security
If you own a business, cybersecurity takes on a new level of necessity. Because you are working with other people’s data, you carry additional liability for its safety. Make sure you do everything possible to protect your clients’ and customers’ information.
Talk with your agent about purchasing cyber liability insurance to add more protection to your business.
Protect Everything Possible
The extra steps you take in our digital world to protect yourself online can spare you heartache and financial catastrophe. Purchasing sufficient insurance coverage is another way to make sure you, your family, and your business have the protection you need.
Contact Lake Region Insurance Agency at any of our three Greater Minnesota offices for a free review. Our independent agents are here to serve you in Cokato, New London, and Willmar, MN.