5 Things to Do Before 8AM to Protect Yourself Online

5 Things to Do Before 8AM to Protect Yourself Online

5 Things to Do Before 8AM to Protect Yourself OnlineAfter grabbing that first cup of coffee, what is the first thing that most people do? Go straight for their device! As soon as you “step foot” out into cyber land, you become vulnerable to hackers, con people and all the bad things that make up the Internet.  

Here are 5 things you can do in 5 minutes (or less) to protect yourself online while you sip your cup-o-joe!

1. Make sure your anti-virus software is up-to-date. Check to see if there are security patches and software updates, and install them immediately. Also, be sure to always use the latest version of your web browser of choice.

2. Google yourself. Yep, that’s right. Type your name into the Google search bar and hit the “enter” button. Be aware of the information that is available online about you because hackers can perform a simple search, manipulate your information and use it to their benefit.

3. Clear your cache. Every time you visit a website, web browsers save tiny files on your computer that make the website load faster the next time you visit it. Sounds like a good thing, right? Not necessarily! People (or hackers) who may use your computer after you can browse your history to see what websites you visited and could gain access to your login IDs, passwords, and other sensitive information.

4. Make sure your webcam is disabled or at least covered. “Camfecting” has become very popular over the past several months as hackers are breaking into computers, activating webcams and spying on people. Creepy, huh?

The simplest and most secure way to protect yourself from camfecting is to put a piece of tape, Post-it note or a Band-Aid over your webcam. There are also free software solutions that allow users to temporarily disable/enable their webcams, which would be my choice for the highest security.

5. Update your passwords. We are bombarded with having to create passwords. Off the top of my head, I can think of at least 15 passwords that I have to remember on a daily basis. It would be so simple to just have the exact same password for each and every account, but this makes it too easy for hackers to access your confidential information.

Take the time to change and update at least 1 password each and every morning. Make sure each is unique, and comprised of letters, numbers and special characters. This semi-constant changing of passwords will keep them fresh, making it difficult for hackers to steal your password.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Freedom of Choice

    In today's security landscape, we are witnessing a fundamental transformation in how organizations manage digital evidence. Law enforcement agencies, campus security teams, and large facility operators face increasingly complex challenges with expanding video data, tightening budget constraints and inflexible systems that limit innovation. Read Now

  • Accelerating a Pathway

    There is a new trend touting the transformational qualities of AI’s ability to deliver actionable data and predictive analysis that in many instances, seems to be a bit of an overpromise. The reality is that very few solutions in the cyber-physical security (CPS) space live up to this high expectation with the one exception being the new generation of Physical Identity and Access Management (PIAM) software – herein recategorized as PIAM+. Read Now

  • Protecting Your Zones

    It is game day. You can feel the crowd’s energy. In the parking lot. At the gate. In the stadium. On the concourse. Fans are eager to party. Food and merchandise vendors ready themselves for the rush. Read Now

  • Street Smarts

    The ongoing acceptance of AI and advanced data analytics has allowed surveillance camera technology to shift from being a tactical tool to a strategic business solution. Combining traditional surveillance technology with AI-based data-driven insights can streamline transportation systems, enhance traffic management, improve situational awareness, optimize resource allocation and streamline emergency response procedures. Read Now

  • Midtown Manhattan Shooting Kills 4, Including NYPD Officer

    Four people were killed, including a NYPD officer, in a midtown Manhattan shooting on Monday. That’s according to CNN. Read Now

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.