Some cybersecurity resolutions for 2018
If 2017 is anything to go by, some of your 2018 resolutions should definitely be about making yourself more cyber secure!
In the past year we have seen a lot of companies do a pretty bad job of protecting their customers' data. In 2018, resolve to take action to protect your own data and devices from cyber threats.
Sweat the details
One of the biggest cyber attacks in 2017 involved ransomware (Wannacry). Microsoft had already issued a security update that fixed the issue, but people hadn't gotten around to installing it. Take the time to install updates on anything involving your information security. This includes antivirus software, operating systems, web browsers, internet routers, and more. Keep them up to date, and don't leave those "back doors" open.
Many third party apps on your devices can access your personal data, which is a valuable commodity. Take a minute to go through your phone or tablet and delete any apps that you haven't used in a while. Also, check which apps are connected to some of your most important online tools. You may be surprised what Facebook (settings page and apps tab) and Google (account page and apps with account access) could be passing on about you!
Get into the weeds
We know, it is super boring to go through the privacy policies that companies ask you to read. But if you do not pay attention you could be allowing your personal information to be shared. Sometimes it is "anonymized" (so your name is not included) but that is not always true. If you need to provide things like your social security number or driver's license, and the fine print in the policy allows for the company to share that info, you want to opt out!
To be really secure it might be worth investing in a VPN service. An Internet service provider can collect a lot of information on you as you surf the web and then sell that along to whoever they want. A VPN hides where you visit and is an especially great tool for those who have to use public networks a lot. Note: there is a cost associated with the service and it can slow down your browsing speeds.
