Keeping personal and financial information safe online doesn’t require a computer science degree or an expensive cybersecurity system. A handful of simple precautions can dramatically reduce the risk of identity theft, financial fraud, and unauthorized access to personal accounts. Many of the most effective security tools are built into smartphones, banking apps, and operating systems, but too few people use them.
Cybercriminals often look for the easiest target, and a little proactive effort can make their jobs significantly harder. Here are some practical, easy-to-implement steps to protect personal information, secure financial accounts, and strengthen everyday digital security.
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Freeze your credit so no one else can open a line of credit in your name
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Disable transactions on your credit and debit cards, enabling them when you need to make a purchase.
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Most banking apps let users quickly disable and enable purchases. I personally keep all my cards disabled, and with a quick slide of a toggle switch, I can “turn them on.” I have done this in front of a register when checking out, and it’s instantaneous.
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Use two-factor authentication with everything. RSA authenticator apps are even better (think Google or Apple Authenticator, where a time-limited 6-digit cryptographic code is produced)
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Swiping or tap-to-pay with your card is LESS secure than loading your cards on your phone’s wallet. When you use your phone to pay, it generates a one-time cryptographic key. When you tap-to-pay or swipe your card, the info exchanged isn’t encrypted, meaning a card or RFID skimmer could capture all the info encoded on your card.
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Do not reuse passwords or variations of passwords.
- Purchase an encrypted password keeper. NordPass is what I use. 1Password is also a popular one.
- Keep apps and operating systems updated.
- Delete unused apps.