Computer Safety Tips
It seems like each day there's something new on the news about cyber threats of some kind. While it can all seem a bit scary, there are some fairly simple steps that you can follow to improve your computer security through the use of some best practices.
Email
Among the many ways that scammers try to reach people, email is probably the most common just because of how easy it is to create an email and find some other emails off the web. Due to this, you should only open attachments from trusted senders (after verifying it is coming from the correct email address) to avoid potentially downloading some sort of Malware. Even trusted senders could be compromised or spoofed, so it is always important to review the contents/context of the email.
In a similar vein, when there are links included in an email, particularly when the links are uncalled for, it is best to avoid clicking on them. Instead consider using your browser to navigate directly to the site itself to avoid reaching a fake site that may be looking to steal your logon credentials.
Since email is not a secure means of communication and is often targeted, it is also advisable not to send any information through email. This information becomes vulnerable not only to your email getting hacked, but the email of any recipient being hacked. The safer way so send this information in over the phone.
Passwords
While it may be easier to pick a simple password to login to sites, it can be dangerous. If someone is able to guess your password for a site, they may be able to access billing information, buy themselves things, etc. and it can become quite a headache to remedy.
To avoid this, try using complex passwords (typically 8 or more characters with a mix of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters) as well as trying to maintain different passwords on different sites, just in case one password is compromised - this makes it so the bad actor can't use the same information at access whatever site they'd like.
It is also good form to use muti-factor authentication where possible as well as changing passwords on a regular basis. Storing passwords in a browser could also present a security vulnerability for if these accounts are breached. As mentioned above, sensitive information like passwords should not be stored in emails.
Networks
Finally, beware of the networks you are connected to. If you are on a public WiFi network, you may want to reconsider handling items like logging into a credit card site. These networks are open and could allow others on the network to watch your traffic and glean information. Private/business networks are best to handle sensitive subjects on.
