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tax guide
How to protect your data from cyberattacks
Crime used to mean things like
break-ins and thieves swiping packages
from your doorstep. But now there’s
an increasing number of cybersecurity
threats that are also crimes of opportunity.
With more and more people using
unfamiliar networks and doing lots of
online shopping, bad actors have plenty
of targets to choose from. By following
these simple steps for data protection,
you can keep your digital information
secure.
1. Be careful when using
insecure Wi-Fi networks
If you’re traveling or out shopping,
you may fi nd yourself on an unfamiliar
Wi-Fi network. Many stores, airports
and rest stops off er free Wi-Fi as a convenience,
but oft en those networks aren’t
secured. Th at makes it especially risky to
make online purchases because the traffi c
from your device can be easily monitored
and stolen. If you are using public Wi-Fi
networks, then browsing to any website,
make sure your connection is encrypted
and secure by looking for the lock icon
in the top left of the address bar. Also,
always double check that the address
you are navigating to is what you expected.
Many modern devices, like the ASUS
NovaGo, now feature built-in LTE, which
off ers a more secure experience for your
online shopping.
2. Don’t rely on passwords alone
Passwords and user IDs are a staple of
cybersecurity, but they can only get you
so far. To further ensure your data stays
protected, consider using password management
and verifi cation apps. Th ey let
you use your face, fi ngerprint, eyes or
WONDERING
other methods to access your data across
devices. For example, the Microsoft
Authenticator app adds an extra level
of security with two-step verifi cation
that allows you to access your Microsoft
account and apps quickly and securely
without having to remember a password.
3. Avoid phishing scams
With so many companies emailing promotions,
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it can feel like your inbox is
under assault. In fact, it very well could
be. Some of those emails may be phishing
scams designed to steal your private
information. To protect your data, don’t
click on any unfamiliar links and carefully
review all notifi cations from your bank to
catch any potentially fraudulent activity.
Remember, scammers can be sophisticated.
Th ey may use personalized emails
to gain your confi dence or replicate the
style of a well-known fi nancial services
company. If an email or link looks the
slightest bit suspicious, don’t click it. Go
directly to your bank or other online
account to confi rm the information independently.
4. Back up your data
If all your data is stored in one place, it’s
vulnerable. Bad actors can lock up your
device and demand payment to release
your fi les. Th at’s why backing your data
up to the cloud is critical for protecting
your fi les against ransomware attacks.
Th e cloud allows you to safeguard your
data and access it from multiple devices.
Cloud storage services are secure and
can also let you easily transfer your data if
you’re upgrading to a new device.
5. Utilize privacy screens
Preventing people from looking over
your shoulder and stealing your information
is the simplest and easiest way
to protect your personal data. When
online shopping in public, use privacy
screens to hide your information. Some
devices, like the HP EliteBook x360 and
HP Spectre x360, have integrated privacy
screens that instantly shield your
screen with the push of a button. If your
device doesn’t come with one built in,
you can purchase a privacy screen.
6. Keep software current
Using a modern operating system
with the latest security updates and
built-in anti-virus protection is the
best way to ward off unwanted intrusions.
Major tech companies continually
upgrade soft ware to account for the
latest cybersecurity threats so you can
be confi dent your data is protected. By
keeping your soft ware current, you can
avoid many cyberattacks before they
cause problems.
Courtesy BPT
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