With the vast amount of sensitive personal information that many people keep and access online, from bank accounts to tax records to emails, it is important to take basic steps to make sure your online identity is secure from cyber criminals.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication
Multifactor authentication (MFA) is the best way to prevent your online accounts from being taken over by cybercriminals. MFA provides a two-step sign-in process, so if your password is compromised, there is a second step to the log-in process to protect you. It is free, easy to set up and widely available for many popular services.
If the option is available, hardware-based or app-based are the most secure options for MFA. SMS text message is the least secure choice for MFA and should be used only as a last resort.
On any services where you have sensitive information, just search “multifactor authentication” or “two-step verification” to find instructions on setting up MFA. Services that have free MFA include Google/Gmail, Microsoft, social media like Facebook and Twitter, and most bank accounts and financial services.
Don’t Reuse Passwords & Use Strong Passwords
Don’t reuse the same password for different accounts. Cyber criminals regularly hack into organizations and steal customer usernames and passwords. This has happened in well known cases like the hacks of LinkedIn and Yahoo.
Cybercriminals know that people often reuse passwords, so once they have a stolen username and…