Habits to Keep Your Digital-self Safe

Habits to Keep Your Digital-self Safe

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Sep 11, 2015

Isn’t it crazy how we get so comfortable with our daily routines that they just come naturally, particularly with our online habits? We tend to share with our networks on a regular basis, but you might not realize just how much you’re actually sharing with complete strangers.

Have you ever posted awesome vacation pics on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram using public Wi-Fi? I’m guilty! There are just some pics that just can’t wait, right? Well, public Wi-Fi is a major hazard because all the information that you’re transferring is available to everyone on a public Wi-Fi network. Yikes!  Think about it. Others can listen to your private convos, get access to passwords, and even gain control of your online accounts.

Here are 8 habits that you need to ditch and 1 habit you need to incorporate into your daily routine to keep your digital-self safe:

  1. Do not send sensitive information over public Wi-Fi. If you wouldn’t physically say something in public, then don’t say it publically on digital either. While it’s fun to work from coffee shops sometimes, avoid accessing private financial information or sharing personal details in emails or social media.

  2. Never connect to strange Wi-Fi networks. Just like texting while driving, it can wait. There’s nothing so important that you have to say that would justify you logging onto a Wi-Fi network that you don’t know.

  3. Never EVER share your phone number. While this is fairly explanatory, I still see people posting their phone numbers on their Facebook feed. Not a smart idea.

  4. Don’t share social or vacation plans on social media. I’m SO guilty of this one, but when you think about it, it’s not too smart in terms of home and personal safety. You’re broadcasting where you’ll be at a certain time which could be dangerous to your personal safety and at the same time, you’re sharing when you won’t be at home, which could be an enticing invite for burglars.

  5. Don’t post every detail to every social network. It’s pretty cool for those of you who have all your networks synced up so that when you post an update on one social platform, it automatically goes out to all of them. If one of those networks gets compromised, a hacker could post to all of your social media accounts.

  6. Never publicly share photos of kids with their real names. There’s a reason Jane Doe is used so much. Savvy parents are referring to their children with a unique hashtag or nickname that only family and friends know to protect their identity while still sharing fun photos of their pride and joy. This helps to prevent people from “googling” children’s names so that they can start a web presence when age appropriate as opposed to “googling” their name only to find hundreds of embarrassing baby photos posted years ago!

  7. Don’t share private, identifiable info on social media. It’s fun talking about your furkid online, but if you’ve also used their name as a password or as the answer to a security question for online accounts, not smart to share his/her name with the world.

  8. Never EVER eVeR EvEr share passwords. When it comes to email, banking, Facebook, Twitter, etc., there’s never a good reason to share your passwords. However, if you absolutely must share a password to an important account, set a reminder to immediately change the password after it is used.

  9. Turn on two-factor authentication. This is the easiest way to help lessen the chances of your online accounts from getting hacked. When you log into one of your accounts from a new or unrecognized device, the two-factor authentication service sends you an email or text message with a code to input in addition to your password. It’s like having a double lock, each with a unique key on your accounts!

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.