Adjust to Your Surroundings
Unlike the parody heavy metal group, Spinal Tap, you don’t necessarily need to “turn it to 11” to reap the rewards of improved security. Here are some simple ways to increase your online security just a little.
Use Unique Passwords - Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts. If one gets stolen, criminals will try the same password on every account you own.
Stay Current - keep your web browser versions up to date.
Use Unique Passwords
It sounds easy, but how can you remember all these passwords? You have a couple of options, including a way to securely write down your passwords. I covered this topic a few weeks ago, a post I call “You Can Write Down Your Passwords” using a tip I got years ago from an FBI agent.
You can also use a password manager. These password managers can hold all your complex passwords, with an option to share certain passwords with family members. They can also generate unique, complex passwords for you. Then, you only have to remember one strong, unique password. Password managers are also covered in my You Can Write Down Your Passwords post.
Update Your Web Browser
It’s important to keep your software up to date. Microsoft, Apple and other computer manufacturers are always looking to improve their software and keep hackers from finding and exploiting security holes. Your web browser is the key to your online content. Think of updating it as fixing a broken lock. It can be a small fix, but can stop a lot of trouble.
How to Update Google Chrome
Open Chrome
Click the 3 dots in the top right corner - Help - About Google Chrome
Chrome will automatically check for updates. If an update is needed, it will install and prompt you to Relaunch the browser.
How to Update Safari
Safari is built-in to the Apple operating system.
Click the Apple menu - System Settings
General - Software Update
If an update is available, click Update Now or Restart to Install
✅Tip: Enable Automatic Updates on all your browsers and operating systems. That way, as soon as a new patch is available, your device will be protected!
If you don’t see an update running, it means you are already up to date!
🦄 Who is Suecurity?
Susan Richards aka Sue-curity
🌉 Background: Over 30 years in information technology with a passion for keeping people and data secure.
👑 Achievement: Hosts a weekly HITRUST Secrets discussion and nerds out about security topics.
☕ Quirk: An American patriot through and through, she still enjoys Irish breakfast tea in the mornings!
What Happens if you Don’t Prepare?
I’ve put together a free guide just for women entrepreneurs called
Lock It Down!
Protect your content, your reputation, and your income from online scammers and hackers.
I’ve collected some of the best advice and tactics to keep you safe online. Learn how to lock your digital doors and with my Lock It Down! guide.
Know someone who’d appreciate this information? Forward this newsletter and help us grow everyone’s digital confidence!
🎆 The Good News
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2: 10
Be safe,
