Technology Update 9/25/18 – Cyber Security

Cyber Security Tips for Ordinary Folks — That Means Us
** I was recently asked to prepare some talking points for a speaker at a community center event on cyber security.  Once I came up with this list, I knew I had to share it with you. : ) **
Passwords
-Create a separate password for each website you use
-No website should EVER have the same password as your e-mail account
-Ideally, you should use a password manager such as 1Password or Last Pass that will help you create long, randomized passwords.  Safari on the Mac also offers this feature and Google Chrome does as well.
-In lieu of letting a password manager create your passwords, think of an easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess, “base,” for all of your passwords, then put a unique identifier at the end of each specific password.  For example — your Microsoft account password could have the letters “ms” or “msft” at the end of your base.
Two Factor Authentication
-Wherever possible, enable two factor authentication with your online accounts
-This will require you to periodically enter a code in addition to your password to log into these services
-These codes are texted to your cell phone or provided by a code authenticator app
-It becomes significantly harder for a bad actor to log into  your account because they don’t physically have your cell phone or code authenticator
-Examples of websites that allow you to setup 2 factor authentication are — Apple / iCloud, Google, Yahoo, Outlook.com / Microsoft account, Bank of America, and many more
Credit Freezes
-Unless you are regularly applying for credit or having your credit bureaus checked — freeze your credit reports!
-Thanks to a new law – the  Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act — effective Sept 21st,  it is now free to freeze and unfreeze your credit reports with Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union