Top 3 Security Tips for 2017

·        Tip #1: Clean up your passwords

Why is it important to clean up your passwords?

In recent months you may have read about companies who have had their information leaked and usernames and passwords being available to buy on the dark web.

As many of us are guilty of using the same password for many of our accounts, if one of your accounts is compromised then you could find all our accounts at risk.

To help you in 2017, why not change all our passwords.  For your important sites, like your email account or Facebook account, have a strong password and why not activate two factor authentication.  Two factor authentication is when you register your phone number with your account and as well as entering your username and password; the site will send you a one time password to your number for you to enter.  It’s similar to the one time password you use with online banking.

If you have lots of accounts and don’t want to remember lots of passwords, why not use a password manager?  Password managers are a great way of managing your accounts, and importantly helps protect against you putting the right password into the wrong site, therefore protecting against phishing attacks.

Passwords are so important so let’s make the effort to get this right for us and everyone around us.

·        Tip #2: Patch your stuff

For many of us we have set up our windows, Apple or Android device to update automatically at specific times of the month.

Even if we set up our updates to be done automatically it’s important to check the patches have been done correctly.  So go and review those updates.

Also, many of us buy new gadgets like fitbits, CCTV cameras or a new electronic kettle.  With anything digitally electronic, when we buy it from the shop we should be aware that those devices were last updated with patches in the factory which could have been many months ago; therefore, it’s vital to ensure you take the time to update the security patches and functions before using it for the first time.

This is because even though it’s a new device to you, the device has been around a lot longer so the criminals have had time to know the old existing loopholes.

Patching and updates is not only about your laptop and phone but also all your other internet of things stuff like fitbits, electronic light bulbs, smart meters, washing machines.

·        Tip #3: Back up your files

This final tip is to protect you from ransomware.

Ransomware is when the criminals encrypt all your stuff on your device and will only decrypt it and give it back to you once you pay them a hefty fee.

There is also the risk that over time your device picks up viruses and you cannot get access to your precious photos, your CV, your tax returns, or your university dissertation you are working on.

Having a back up protects you.  If you regularly save your stuff offline on a portable or remote device then if something untoward happens to your laptop or phone – whether it’s a ransomware or you spill coffee on it and damage it or if someone steals your laptop or phone – your memories and work is safe as you have that backed up elsewhere.

It’s happened to all of us, including me and I’m thankful I planned and prepared for it by having my information backed up on an encrypted USB stick.

Extra protection for back up is keeping your back up in a difference place like your parents house, your office, or with a mate.

Remember, the only back up you will ever regret is the one you did not make.