"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" (Ben Franklin)
Now that you have the facts, take some action
Free (or low cost) resources to help you stay on top of your game
Stuff You Can Use
Here are some things you should strongly consider using and/or checking out:
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Buy a Personal VPN (Virtual Private Network) Service. Free is usually not a good idea. Here is an idea:
ProtonVPN
- Use a Password Manager. 1Password is a good option. If you don't want to use a Password Manager, then at least create complicated passwords - check out this nifty tool Password Generator tool
- How secure is your password anyways? This site will tell you.
- While you are at it, try to enable 2FA (two factor authentication) on websites that offer it. Here is brief definition: "Two-factor authentication methods rely on users providing a password as well as a second factor, usually either a security token or a biometric factor like a fingerprint or facial scan." Click here for more info on it.
- Consider a secure email solution. Check out ProtonMail
- Not all links are created equal. If you do not absolutely trust the website link or link in your email, its a good idea to not click on it.
- We assume you have anti-virus software - but this is just a friendly reminder.
- Do you use an online backup service? Great way to not loose your stuff.
- Are you curious about how strong the encryption is for a website you are visiting? Put it through the SSL Server Test
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Looking for a little privacy when you
search? Check out DuckDuckGo
- Has your information been compromised in a Data Breach? It probably has - but you can check here
- If you are a victim of a Hack, many companies offer complementary online monitoring and breach protection services for one year. Reach out to them if its been less than one year.
- When you aren't using your credit, freeze it. Find out why its important here
- Put tape over your webcam on your laptop. Yes, your webcam can get hacked and when you are not using it, its a good idea to cover it up. Check out this article on the topic.
- Got sensitive paper files? It may be wise to buy a shredder too.
...more to come!
*Yes, some of these are affiliate links. We still strive to provide only the finest, we cannot guarantee its the "best of the best". Hopefully this helps makes your life a little easier and provides some guidance in your evaluation process (read disclaimer)*
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If you need help understanding how to approach cyber security, personally or professionally, in a non-techy or complicated way - drop us a line, we can help.