Everyday technology and the internet are part of our lives. Whether you are driving down the road follwing a Nav application, purchasing a gift online or booking your next vacation. Your online presence and your mobile devices can leave you vulnerable. October is Cyber Awareness Month, the government of Canada has produced a list of the 10 Steps to Protect Your Online Identity . Here is a summary of their article.
Protect Your Identity
Good strong passwords are your best first line of defense. Remember to use a combination of upper and lower case, numbers and special characters.
Turn on Your Firewall
Unfortunately, hackers will always be around with way too much time on their hands to cause grief to the general public. A firewall will provide your Internet connection with a gatekeeper. It will help to stop malicious attacks and viruses from entering your devices.
Use Antivirus Software
Antivirus software provides a further level of protection. Remember anti-virus software needs to be updated often so the virus protection code remains current.
Block Spyware Attacts
Spyware software can sit on your computer collecting sensitive information without your knowledge. Use spyware software to block access also remember to keep it up-to-date.
Install the Latest Operating System Updates
Keep the operating system software (like Windows) at a current level. You want to implement Windows Updates on a monthly basis.
Back Up Your Files
It is a very good idea to have a current back up of the data on your device. Some external drives will automatically do this for you. You can also use the cloud to back up your desktop as well as mobile device data.
Protect Your Wireless Network
May sure all wireless networks you access have strong passwords.
Delete Emails From Unknown Sender’s
Beware of emails from strangers. Don’t open them or any attachments. It is important to even be cautious of emails from known senders.
Surf the Web Safely
Be very careful of sharing personal information. Make sure the page you are using is secure before you enter sensitive information. The URL of a secure website page will start with the characters https:// versus http:// .
Get Expert Help
If you suspect an online theft or scam, report it to your local law enforcement agency as soon as possible.
Manage Your Identity
Every time we log onto the web we access (and add to) our own personal digital footprint that’s interconnected with plug-ins, links, and massive caches of personal data that follows us around.
Learn About Your Digital Identity
While none of us can control everything that’s known about us online, there are steps we can take to better understand our online identities and be empowered to share what we want, when we want.
The Internet Society developed three interactive tutorials to help educate and inform anyone who would like to find out more.
Each lasts about 5 minutes and will give a great foundation when it comes to making informed choices about our unique online identities.
Watch The Tutorials
Tutorial 1:
ONLINE IDENTITY - AN OVERVIEW
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Tutorial 2:
PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY
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Tutorial 3:
PROTECTING YOUR IDENTITY
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| This tutorial will explain some of the key differences between your online and "real life" identity, recognize the nature of digital identities, and understand the difference between online identity and personal privacy. Watch the tutorial now. | This tutorial will explain the key concerns related to online identity and privacy, recognize what kind of user information is collected and why, identify the ways of controlling the privacy of your online identity. Watch the tutorial now. | This tutorial will explain the challenges in protecting online identities and help you recognize the ways you can protect your online identity. Watch the tutorial now. | |
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