BASICTIPS AND

ADVICEKEEP A CLEAN MACHINE••••KEEP SECURITY SOFTWARE CURRENT: Having the latest security software, web browser and operating
system is the best defense against viruses, malware and other online threats.
AUTOMATE SOFTWARE UPDATES: Many software programs will automatically connect and update to defend
against known risks. Turn on automatic updates if that’s an available option.
PROTECT ALL DEVICES THAT CONNECT TO THE INTERNET: Along with computers, smartphones, gaming
systems and other web-enabled devices also need protection from viruses and malware.
PLUG & SCAN: USBs and other external devices can be infected by viruses and malware. Use your security
software to scan them.

PROTECT YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION••••LOCK DOWN YOUR LOGIN: Fortify your online accounts by enabling the strongest authentication tools available,
such as biometrics, security keys or a unique one-time code through an app on your mobile device. Your
usernames and passwords are not enough to protect key accounts like email, banking and social media.
MAKE YOUR PASSWORD A SENTENCE: A strong password is a sentence that is at least 12 characters long. Focus
on positive sentences or phrases that you like to think about and are easy to remember (for example, “I lovecountry music.”). On many sites, you can even use spaces!
UNIQUE ACCOUNT, UNIQUE PASSWORD: Separate passwords for every account helps to thwart cybercriminals.
WRITE IT DOWN AND KEEP IT SAFE: Having separate passwords for every account helps to thwart
cybercriminals. At a minimum, separate your work and personal accounts and make sure that your critical accounts
have the strongest passwords.

CONNECT WITH CARE•••

WHEN IN DOUBT THROW IT OUT: Links in emails, social media posts and online advertising are often how
cybercriminals try to steal your personal information. Even if you know the source, if something looks
suspicious, delete it.
GET SAVVY ABOUT WI-FI HOTSPOTS: Limit the type of business you conduct and adjust the security settings
on your device to limit who can access your machine.
PROTECT YOUR $$: When banking and shopping, check to be sure the site is security enabled. Look for webaddresses with “https://” or “shttp://,” which means the site takes extra measures to help secure yourinformation. “Http://” is not secure.

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TIPS AND ADVICEBE WEB WISE•••

STAY CURRENT: Keep pace with new ways to stay safe online: Check trusted websites for the latest
information, and share with friends, family, and colleagues and encourage them to be web wise.
THINK BEFORE YOU ACT: Be wary of communications that implore you to act immediately, offer somethingthat sounds too good to be true or ask for personal information.
BACK IT UP: Protect your valuable work, music, photos and other digital information by making an electronic
copy and storing it safely.

BE A GOOD ONLINE CITIZEN•••SAFER FOR ME, MORE SECURE FOR ALL: What you do online has the potential to affect everyone – at home,
at work and around the world. Practicing good online habits benefits the global digital community.
POST ONLINE ABOUT OTHERS AS YOU HAVE THEM POST ABOUT YOU: The Golden Rule applies online as well.
HELP THE AUTHORITIES FIGHT CYBERCRIME: Report stolen finances or identities and other cybercrime to theInternet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov) and to your local law enforcement or state attorney general asappropriate.

OWN YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE•••PERSONAL INFORMATION IS LIKE MONEY. VALUE IT. PROTECT IT: Information about you, such as yourpurchase history or location, has value – just like money. Be thoughtful about who gets that information andhow it’s collected through apps and websites.
BE AWARE OF WHAT’S BEING SHARED: Set the privacy and security settings on web services and devices toyour comfort level for information sharing. It’s OK to limit how and with whom you share information.
SHARE WITH CARE: Think before posting about yourself and others online. Consider what a post reveals, whomight see it and how it could be perceived now and in the future.

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