Why You Need To Find Denver IT Support That Will Protect You During The Holiday Season
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” – or, at least, it should be. Unfortunately, if cybercriminals get their way, it won’t be.
Has your Denver IT support talked to you about the importance of personal cybersecurity during the holiday season?
Cybercrime Threats On The Rise During The Holidays
According to the latest State Of The Web report, website security is a key concern this holiday season. Little to no cybersecurity measures are in place to protect consumers that are shopping online or relaxing and browsing the web – will you be at risk?
The report shows that:
- Just 2% of the Alexa 1000 websites have actually implemented necessary cybersecurity measures to protect users
- The data you submit on forms online is often exposed to 10 times as many domains as intended by the website owner
- Two-thirds of the content you view on a given website is generated by third parties that lack effective security
What’s the point?
You’re not as secure as you might think when you’re online. That’s why you need to have the right Denver IT support on your side, as well as do your part to protect yourself…
6 Simple Ways To Stay Safe Online During The Holidays
This holiday season, whether you’re shopping online or checking your inbox for e-card from loved ones, make sure you’re safe. Don’t let cybercriminals ruin the most wonderful time of the year for you.
Use the following tips to enhance your cybersecurity:
1. Use A VPN
When you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), your data is encrypted, or hidden, as it moves from your device to the VPN and then continues onto the Internet through what’s called an exit node.
That makes it harder for an attacker to identify you as the source of the data – no matter whether you’re on your mobile device’s data connection, or using an unsecured retail Wi-Fi network while you’re in line for coffee.
2. Be Careful Where You Click
Fake URLs are a popular tool for cybercriminals. Always be sure to hover your mouse over a link in an email, or on an unfamiliar website, before clicking it. That allows you to see where it actually leads. While it may look harmless, the actual URL may show otherwise, so always look, and rarely click.
3. Protect Your Personal Information
Always double-check what you may be sharing on social media. With the wrong security settings, anyone can see what you post, including personal information that may make it easier for them to guess your passwords, answer your security questions, and pose as you online.
4. Stay Safe While Mobile
Don’t download apps that aren’t approved by your smartphone provider’s app store. Unauthorized apps are a common way for hackers to sneak malware onto your device. Always be skeptical of permissions you grant and data you provide when using mobile technology.
5. Check For The “S”
You should know that reputable URLs now start with “HTTPS” rather than “HTTP”. It’s easy to remember – the “s” stands for “secure”.
6. Stay Vigilant
As discussed above, this is difficult – you need to pay attention to developments in cybercrime. If you don’t know how cybercriminals operate, how can you expect to stay ahead of them? Make sure your Denver IT support is helping you do so.
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