Happy Holidays! If you’re anything like us, you sometimes put off your holiday shopping to the last minute. Lucky for you, Aspis is here to keep you safe during your online shopping.
Maybe you didn’t even know you had to be worried about cybersecurity while you shop online. In fact, the holiday season is the perfect time for hackers and other bad actors to take advantage of people just trying to buy their last minute presents for mom and dad! In todays blog, we’re going to cover 3 easy and actionable tips that you can implement in order to protect yourself online.
Tip 1: Think Before You Click
More than 90% of successful cyber-attacks start with phishing emails. A phishing scheme is when a link or webpage looks legitimate, but is actually a trick designed by bad actors to have you reveal your passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information. During the holiday season, your email inbox is most likely being flooded with deals from all of your favorite stores and online shops. This is the perfect opportunity for bad actors to attempt to hide amongst the real emails.
If you end up clicking a phishing link, then the hackers will have access to your information. Once they have that information, they can use it on legitimate sites, spending YOUR money. They may also attempt to run malicious software, also known as malware, to do damage to your device.
If it’s a link you don’t recognize, trust your instincts, and think before you click.
Tip 2: Use Strong Passwords
We know. You hear it all the time. However, the reason you are always lectured about using a strong password is because it really is good advice. Passwords are the first line of defense against those who want to gain access to your accounts. A strong and secure password stops them at the door.
In fact, you would ideally use a password manager to generate and store unique passwords. A password manager is a computer program that allows users to store, generate, and manage their passwords for local applications and online services. A password manager assists in generating and retrieving complex passwords, storing such passwords in an encrypted database, or calculating them on demand.
It may be annoying in the short term, but securing your passwords is a simple step that goes a long way.
Tip 3: Implement Multi-Factor Authentication on Your Accounts
A password isn’t always enough to keep you completely safe online. By implementing multi-factor authentication, you’re added a whole new layer of security!
What is multi-factor authentications? In short, MFA is a second layer of identification; like a confirmation text message, a code from an authentication app, or Face ID. This means that you are doubling down on your safety and security. How so? Well, you’re giving your bank, email provider, or any other site you’re logging into the confidence that it really is you.
In fact, multi-factor authentication can block nearly 100% of account hacks. So, make sure to enable multi-factor authentication on your email, social media, online shopping, and financial services accounts ASAP.
New Year, New Me
We want to keep you safe while you do your last minute holiday shopping. However, we also want to keep you safe the rest of the year too. 2023 is almost here and you now have the tools at your disposal to live a safer like online. Our world is increasingly digital and increasingly interconnected; so, prioritizing your cybersecurity is more important than ever. The best time to start investing in cybersecurity was yesterday. The second best time is today.
Want to learn more about Aspis?
Who Is Aspis?
Aspis is an IT professional services firm headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, specializing in cybersecurity and management consulting. Our values are Integrity, Community, and Diversity and our vision is to democratize cybersecurity. We make enterprise cybersecurity solutions and professional services accessible to all sizes of organizations from medium-sized businesses to large Fortune 500 enterprises; non-profits; and municipal, state, and federal government agencies. Aspis is an Independent Small Business, Certified HUBZone Small Business Concern, Certified LGBT Business Enterprise, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Certified Virginia Values Veterans, and Better Business Bureau accredit ted company. To learn more about how we can help you with your IT needs check out our website https://aspis.consulting and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to stay up to date on cybersecurity news, company updates, and need-to-know tips.
