Continuing from last week’s safety tips, our partners in crime-fighting, the FBI, also provided cyber security tips recently. The bureau suggests using two-factor authentication for online passwords in order to provide additional protection.

Two-factor authentication “is a technology that increases security by incorporating requirements beyond something you know,” such as a password, according to the FBI.

“Along with something you know, two-factor authentication can also include something you have (a dynamic token or PIN), something you are (a particular biometric), or somewhere you are (your location at the time of authentication).”

The service is generally offered for free for most home internet users by email providers, social media platforms, cloud-based storage solutions and banking and finance sites.

The FBI also suggests defending computer systems by:

• Ensuring your operating system and software are up to date and enabling your firewall.

• Installing protective software like antivirus and antispyware programs and running scans on a periodic basis.

• Disabling hidden file extensions by unchecking “hide extensions for known file types.”

• Changing the default administrator name and password on your wireless router.

• Use the built-in cover or tape over your webcam when not in use.

• Disable guest accounts.

• Use strong passwords and disable automatic login.

• Don’t read email or browse the internet while using an administrator account.

• Turn your computer off when you’re not using it.

• Wipe your hard drive prior to selling it or recycling it.

“There is no one method or tool that will completely protect you from various cyber threats, but by using sound practices and implementing good security protections, you can raise the bar against the adversary and better protect your important data,” states a release from the FBI.

Be safe and smart when shopping online or anytime you use a computer. Do not give personal information unless you know it’s from a trusted site. Be aware of scams. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

 

Any questions or comments please feel free to contact me at TrooperRob53@Yahoo.com or call (269) 683-4411.