Make a Resolution to Stay ‘Cyber Safe’

Even with New Year’s resolutions, you can get ahead of the curve. How about, for example: “Think before I app” or “Keep a clean machine”?

Similar to eating better and exercising more, both resolutions aim at improving the quality of your life. The following ‘cyber safe’ resolutions, could have an impact on your personal identity, on your online accounts, and even on your financial information:

• Keep a clean machine: Keep software current and use the most recent versions of your mobile operating system, security software, apps and Web browsers. Resolving to do these simple things is among the best defenses against malware, viruses and other online threats.

• Protect your Personal Information: Check privacy settings on your online accounts. Use strong passwords, and be careful of what you share online including your name, location, and other personal details like where you go to school or your age.

• Secure your device: Use a strong passcode to lock your smartphone or tablet.

• Think before you app: Understand what information (i.e., location, your contacts, social networking profiles, etc.) the app would access and share before you download it. Always download apps from trusted sources.

• Back it up: Sync your contacts, photos, videos and other mobile device data with another device or cloud service on a weekly basis.

Making these resolutions will help to keep you safe online. More information can be found at www.GetCyberSafe.ca.

www.newscanada.com