When it comes to ensuring our family’s safety online, we often focus on the content they are viewing. We ask ourselves, “Is what they’re watching appropriate?” “What are they searching for online?” “Who are they interacting with, and are those individuals really who they claim to be?” However, a more pressing threat to our family’s security is often overlooked: hackers.
Imagine a stranger gaining control of your bank account and transferring your hard-earned money to multiple banks around the world. Consider the damage that could be done if a hacker used your child’s social security number to open credit cards and make fraudulent purchases. It could take years to discover such deception, and unauthorized purchases could damage their credit history before they even understand what credit is. Social security numbers and similar information are prime targets for hackers because of this.
At a recent event I attended, FBI agents classified hackers into two categories. The first group, which makes up about 70% of hackers worldwide, is described as clever but limited in their ability to cause significant harm if basic security measures are in place. As a result, I’ve compiled a list of actions you can take to protect your family from the majority of cybercriminals.
Passwords
The cornerstone of online security is smart, complex passwords. The danger arises when a website gets breached, and your information gets leaked online. Hackers armed with sophisticated software can use this data to attempt logins on numerous popular sites simultaneously. Therefore, when creating a new password, follow these rules to keep it secure:
- Length is strength: A password should exceed eight characters. Many experts recommend using a phrase or short sentence instead of a traditional password. Such phrases are easier to remember and tougher to crack.
- Include special characters: Symbols such as exclamation points, dollar signs, or even spaces significantly enhance password security.
- Diversify: Avoid using the same password for multiple sites. Adding a few unique characters related to each website to your standard password increases security during data breaches.
While complex passwords are helpful, a password manager provides a superior solution.
Password Manager A password manager is a tool designed to generate strong passwords and safeguard them. It can generate and store intricate, lengthy passwords to replace any existing weak ones you might be using. These services encrypt your data in a secure “vault” and auto-fill the required details for each site you visit. Besides passwords, they can store credit card information, addresses, PINs, and other sensitive data, making them an invaluable tool for securing your online presence.
Despite sounding complicated, password managers are user-friendly. Choosing a trustworthy one is the key. I recommend LastPass for its simplicity, smartphone app compatibility, and helpful features. For $36 per year, LastPass offers valuable premium features such as auto password change for many major websites if your account is compromised. A good free alternative to LastPass isBitwarden. This open-source password manager is popular for its transparent, community-oriented approach to security. Bitwarden offers a free version with features such as unlimited password storage, syncing across all devices, and secure password generation. If you want additional features, you can upgrade to a premium plan.
Passkeys
Passkeys are like digital keys that Apple, Google, and Microsoft are creating to replace passwords. They’re designed to be safer and easier to use than passwords and can be used on all major platforms, including websites and apps. Passkeys are built on a special kind of security system that makes them tough to steal, even if a website or app is hacked. And when it comes to ease of use, you only need to make a passkey once, and you can use it on any website or app that accepts passkeys. The best part? You can use the same passkeys on all your devices – whether you’re on your Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android device, or PC. LastPass Passkeys are still being worked on, but they’re expected to be ready later this year. Once they’re out, you’ll be able to make and keep track of your passkeys right in your LastPass account.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
Enable 2FA wherever possible. This provides an additional layer of security by requiring two types of identification. Even if someone gains access to your password, they would need a second form of authentication to access your account. For example, after entering your password, your banking website might text you a code you need to enter before accessing your account information. I recommend turning these on whenever possible, but at a minimum, turn it on for all of your email accounts. If a hacker gains access to your email account, they can take advantage of the information found there to do some real damage.
HaveIBeenPwned
Even with strong, secure passwords, how can you tell if your information is involved in a security breach? A resourceful solution is HaveIBeenPwned.com, created by Microsoft Regional Director Troy Hunt. This website lets you search known data breaches for your email addresses and gives details about any leaks. Remember to set up notifications for any future breaches involving your data.
Credit Check
Regularly checking your children’s social security numbers for suspicious activity is another proactive approach. Signing up on Credit.com allows free credit score checks, which are soft credit inquiries and don’t affect your credit rating.
Apply Your Updates
Ensure all your digital devices are updated regularly. From computers and smartphones to WiFi routers and home security devices, keeping these systems patched and current minimizes the risk of unauthorized access.
Antivirus
While Microsoft Windows has a decent built-in virus scanner and most Apple products are less prone to malicious programs, a paid subscription to an antivirus software like Malwarebytes is advisable for maximum protection. Malwarebytes includes BrowserGuard which can help ensure you don’t unintentionally install suspicious software while browsing online. With a $60 annual plan covering three devices, the software is reliable and versatile. AVG and Symantec are other options worth exploring.
Implementing the measures outlined above will significantly reduce the risk of digital disruption by cybercriminals. The time and cost associated with setting up these security measures are small prices to pay for the peace of mind you’ll gain.
