The IDEA Publishing
  • HOME
  • Popular IDEAS
    • IDEAS for Your Better Business Life >
      • The Business Idea
      • The Career IDEA
      • The Money Idea
    • IDEAS for Your Better Diversions >
      • The Tech IDEA
      • The Travel IDEA
      • The Auto IDEA
      • The Outdoors IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Better Table >
      • The Food IDEA
      • IDEAS de Cocina Espanola
    • IDEAS for a Better You >
      • The Health IDEA
      • Living Well IDEAS
      • The Fitness IDEA
      • The Beauty IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Happier Home >
      • The Home Idea
      • The Entertaining Idea
      • The Parenting Idea
      • The Senior Living IDEA
      • The Pet IDEA
  • The Video Domain
    • Video IDEAS for Your Better Business Life
  • About
  • Contact
  • ads.txt
the_tech_idea
The Tech IDEA

The Tech IDEA

Your Source for the Best and Newest Thinking in Technology

5 do's and don'ts to keep your identity safe from hackers

10/28/2019

Comments

 
privacy-security-identity
How you can help stop cybercriminals in their tracks and protect your connected devices, as well as your electronic identity in our connected age!

(BPT) - Resourceful thieves and cybercriminals continue to find new ways to hack U.S. consumers’ sensitive personal information. Dumpster diving, stolen or lost wallets and mail fraud should still be concerns, but the digital age of tablets, smartphones, PCs and Wi-Fi networks leaves people more vulnerable than ever.

Have you ever stored credit card information on your phone for added convenience to make payments in a checkout lane? Do you ever store passwords in apps to transfer funds between accounts? And what’s to keep hackers from accessing a wireless network you check your email on while you’re grabbing a quick cup of coffee?

”More than 15.4 million people a year will experience identity theft, with an average loss of more than $1,000,” said Jane Li, Mercury Insurance’s director of product management. “When one access point closes due to added levels of security, cyberattackers find another. Insurance companies like Mercury provide services that allow homeowners and renters to enjoy the convenience of accessing their connected devices at home and on the go, while also helping to protect customers from the potentially devastating effects of criminal infiltration, cyberextortion and identity theft.”

The following five do’s and don’ts can help stop criminals in their tracks and protect your connected devices, as well as your electronic identity.

  1. Do power down your devices. This disables the internet connection, cutting off access to any personal information stored on your computer, tablet or phone. Unattended machines, especially if you are asleep or leave them at home while on vacation, are easy targets for hackers.
  2. Don’t connect to unsecured wireless networks. Information accessed on an open network, including email passwords and sensitive bank information, is fair game for hackers. Don’t make their jobs easier. Turn off Wi-Fi access on your devices unless it’s a password-protected network you trust.
  3. Do monitor your children’s device usage. It’s a good idea to limit use of computers, tablets and phones to public areas within the home like the living room or kitchen. This makes it easier for parents to keep an eye on who their kids are communicating with, especially on social media or gaming sites, to help prevent the sharing of sensitive information like full names, addresses or other things that can be used for identity theft or other potentially dangerous activities.
  4. Don’t discard important paperwork without shredding it. If it has your name and address, thieves can take advantage and open an account using your information. Remember to shred expired insurance documents, vehicle registrations, bills, loan pre-qualifications and other paperwork that would allow someone to call in pretending to be you. Check your credit reports at least twice a year to ensure all accounts opened in your name are valid.
  5. Do install recommended updates. Smartphone, computer, tablet and smart TV manufacturers, among other providers of connected devices, offer periodic software updates to protect against potential security breaches. Chances are, if an update is recommended, hackers have already discovered a way to access your personal property and information, so keep your software up to date.

Li recommends homeowners and renters speak with their local insurance agent to learn more about the endorsements they may be able to add to existing policies to help safeguard their finances if their identities are compromised or connected devices are attacked.

“It can be daunting to try to regain your financial footing if a criminal takes advantage of you,” said Li. “Insurance exists to help protect consumers from unexpected events and, in this case, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”


KEYWORDS

  • advice ×
  • BPT ×
  • Brandpoint ×
  • Brandpoint Content ×
  • children ×
  • commerce ×
  • credit card ×
  • crime ×
  • cyberattack ×
  • cyberattacks ×
  • cybercrime ×
  • cyberinsurance ×
  • cybersecurity ×
  • devices ×
  • ecommerce ×
  • hacker ×
  • hackers ×
  • hacks ×
  • ID ×
  • identity ×
  • identity theft ×
  • insurance ×
  • Internet ×
  • kids ×
  • lifehacks ×
  • money ×
  • online ×
  • online shopping ×
  • personal finance ×
  • protection ×
  • security ×
  • tips ×
  • update ×
  • updates ×
  • Web

RSS Feed

Comments

How to protect your data from cyberattacks

1/31/2019

 
young-woman-working-at-laptop
Tips to take a byte out of cybercrime!

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.


(BPT) - 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 find yourself on an unfamiliar Wi-Fi network. Many stores, airports and rest stops offer free Wi-Fi as a convenience, but often those networks aren’t secured. That makes it especially risky to make online purchases because the traffic 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 offers 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 verification apps. They let you use your face, fingerprint, eyes or other methods to access your data across devices. For example, the Microsoft Authenticator app adds an extra level of security with two-step verification 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, 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 notifications from your bank to catch any potentially fraudulent activity.

Remember, scammers can be sophisticated. They may use personalized emails to gain your confidence or replicate the style of a well-known financial 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 confirm 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 files. That’s why backing your data up to the cloud is critical for protecting your files against ransomware attacks. The 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 software to account for the latest cybersecurity threats so you can be confident your data is protected. By keeping your software current, you can avoid many cyberattacks before they cause problems.


KEYWORDS

  • advice×
  • backup×
  • BPT×
  • Brandpoint Content×
  • cloud×
  • cloud backup×
  • cloud computing×
  • crime×
  • cyberattack×
  • cyberattacks×
  • cybercrime×
  • cybersecurity×
  • data×
  • data protection×
  • ecommerce×
  • hack×
  • hacker×
  • hackers×
  • hacking×
  • hacks×
  • home security×
  • identity theft×
  • lifehacks×
  • Microsoft×
  • online shopping×
  • password×
  • passwords×
  • phishing×
  • phishing scams×
  • prevention×
  • privacy screen×
  • privacy screens×
  • scam×
  • scams×
  • security×
  • smarthome×
  • smart home×
  • smart home technology×
  • software×
  • tips×
  • travel×
  • traveling×
  • update×
  • updates×
  • vulnerability×
  • vulnerable×
  • WiFi​


RSS Feed

5 Tips to Make Sense of Cyber Security

8/26/2017

 
mom-with-kids-on-the-computer
Mom with kids on the computer

In the context of cyber security, an action by an unknowing child can impact the entire family. While there are plenty of parental controls and blocks available, they aren’t foolproof. Educating children about the potential risks and how to avoid them can go a long way toward protecting your family from potential cyber problems. Open up a conversation with your children about cyber security with these tips.


5 Tips to Make Sense of Cyber Security

(Family Features) It’s no secret that kids have a sense of invincibility. While that trait can bring some endearing reminders of the innocence of childhood, it can also have some highly unfortunate consequences. In the context of cyber security, an action by an unknowing child can impact the entire family.

The majority of U.S. households are filled with devices that pose a potential threat to your personal security. In fact, according to the 2016 Global Consumer Security Survey by Trend Micro, nearly half of households have two or more computers and nearly a third have three or more smartphones. That means the opportunities are plentiful for missteps to occur.

Despite the many benefits of a highly connected world, the potential for danger is strong. The same study found that 65 percent of respondents’ computers had been infected with a virus or malware. Other concerns included damage or loss of files, children viewing inappropriate content, cyberbullying and ID or password theft.

While there are plenty of parental controls and blocks available, they aren’t foolproof. Educating children about the potential risks and how to avoid them can go a long way toward protecting your family from potential cyber problems.

Open up a conversation with your children about cyber security with these tips from the experts at Trend Micro:

  1. Understand what you’re saying yes to. Be involved, knowledgeable and interested in the devices, apps and sites your children use for school and for fun. For sites they use for school, ask their teachers for more information. For apps they’re using at home, spend 15 minutes trying it out yourself.
  1. Use privacy settings and features. Make sure you understand what privacy protections your browser or devices offer for your family when your kids are accessing their favorite sites, apps and online services. Many browsers allow you to prevent sites from tracking what you do and where you go online, so spend some time looking at web browser settings to see what privacy options are available to you. Mobile devices also have settings that can restrict apps from knowing your physical location or accessing your camera, microphone, photos or contacts.
  1. Use features and services available within an app or website. Also take a look at the privacy settings available in the specific apps, websites or games your family uses. Most will let you have a private account, which means the whole world won’t be able to see what you post or who you’re connected to. It also means that people have to ask your permission before they can follow you.
  1. Remember that being online is a public life. Nothing is truly private online. If you and your family keep this in mind, it can help you all think through what you are about to post, like and click on, as well as who you connect with online.
  1. Talk to other families. Other kids or families may have a different definition of what is or isn’t “private.” Encourage your kids to talk to their friends about how they will respect each other’s privacy online. Good friends will understand, think and ask before posting a photo or information about their friends. Talk to other parents about your feelings on privacy, too, and ask for their opinions with the goal of protecting and respecting each other’s privacy online.

Explore more ideas to keep your kids and family safe online at internetsafety.trendmicro.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
Trend Micro

KEYWORDS

  • Family Features ×
  • family ×
  • kids ×
  • children ×
  • cybersecurity ×
  • security ×
  • crime ×
  • criminal ×
  • cybercrime ×
  • hack ×
  • hacker ×
  • hackers ×
  • hacking ×
  • wifi ×
  • Wi Fi ×
  • social ×
  • social media

A digital safe vault to protect your information

3/6/2017

Comments

 
Picture

While more people are turning to digital solutions to store important information, the threat of cyber security remains a concern for many businesses, governments and individuals. The modern reality when it comes to safely protecting valuables, documents and digital assets, is that both physical and digital secure storage solutions are needed.




(BPT) - Whether you’re paying for a meal, signing up to play a game on your smartphone or withdrawing money from your bank, your information is at risk. In 2016 alone, 873 data breaches exposed more than 29.8 million records containing potentially sensitive information, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center.

Clearly, stronger measures must be taken.

While more people are turning to digital solutions to store important information, the threat of cyber security remains a concern for many businesses, governments and individuals. The modern reality when it comes to safely protecting valuables, documents and digital assets, is that both physical and digital secure storage solutions are needed.


Security in a changing world

In The Wall Street Journal, Sue Shellenbarger says people need a way to securely store both digital and physical copies of important documents. They should "wrap the documents in plastic and store them in a safe or safe-deposit box. Other paper items to keep in both paper and digital form include wills, diplomas, deeds, titles, licenses and trust and retirement-plan documents.”

Jerry Pluard of Safe Deposit Box Insurance Coverage (SDBIC) agrees, and recommends using a combination of physical and “digital” safe deposit boxes to protect valuables and digital identity.

“A digital safe deposit box can be used to maintain an inventory and store images of the valuable items in your physical box. You can also specify in your digital box the location of physical box and where the keys can be found,” Pluard says.


Digital vaults for consumers

While highly secured digital safe deposit boxes have been used by consumers and banking institutions in Europe for several years, the technology has not been embraced to the same degree in the United States.

With the digital vault options now available, American consumers need to be educated on what features are essential to ensuring their security. The top features are:

1. Password manager: Keeping passwords in a highly secure location might be the feature you access the most in your digital safe deposit box. Look for a password generator and the ability to link directly to the login screen to copy and paste the password in. Also, make sure you can access the password vault even when offline.

2. Encrypted email: Your digital box should have an encrypted email so you can send and receive sensitive documents.

3. Accessibly: Your digital box should have an easy to use mobile app, allowing you to access your passwords, documents and to download and receive encrypted information form a number of devices.

4. Digital inheritance: You should be able to designate several loved ones as beneficiaries who will have access to your digital files and documents in case of a life-changing event.

5. Security: Zero Knowledge technology is a must. This means only you and those you authorize can access your box. Also, you want something known as double encryption. This assures you that even if there is a breach, the hacker cannot access documents or data.


An Integrated Solution

Recently, SDBIC formed a partnership with DSwiss AG to bring such a digital vault solution to the US.

In addition to providing people with the needed features mentioned above, all the data is stored in a military command bunker in the Swiss mountains. This same service, which is used by large European financial firms to store highly sensitive information, is available to the consumer for just $40 a year.

This means there is now double-pronged security solution available. With an insured safe deposit box and a Digital Fortress digital vault, consumers can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing their valuables are protected. It’s a digital and physical security solution for every generation.



  • accessibility
  • cybercrime
  • cybersecurity
  • data
  • Digital inheritance:
  • emails
  • encryption
  • Family Features
  • hacker
  • hacking
  • information
  • Internet
  • passwords
  • security
  • Web
Comments



    Archives

    January 2021
    September 2020
    May 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016


    Interested in Publishing on The Tech Idea?

    Send your query to the Publisher today!


    Categories

    All
    Accessibility
    Adoption
    Advertising
    Advice
    Age
    Aging
    AI
    Algorithm
    Amazon
    Analog
    Android
    Apple
    Appliances
    Applications
    Apps
    Article
    Artificial Intelligence
    Assistive Device
    Assistive Devices
    Assistive Technology
    Audio
    Auto
    Automation
    Automobile
    Autos
    Backup
    Bandwidth
    Battery
    Benefits
    Binge
    Binge Watching
    Bluetooth
    Bluetooth Speakers
    BPT
    Brandpoint
    Brandpoint Content
    Broadcast
    Buffering
    Business
    Cable
    Cable Modem
    Camera
    Car
    Careers
    CarPlay
    Carriers
    Cars
    Cell Phone
    Cellular Data
    CES
    Change
    Changes
    Channels
    Charity
    Child
    Children
    Christmas
    Classroom
    Cloud
    Cloud Backup
    Cloud Computing
    Colleges
    Comfort
    Commerce
    Communication
    Competition
    Competitiveness
    Computer
    Computers
    Computing
    Connected
    Connected Devices
    Connectivity
    Consoles
    Consumer Electronics Show
    Consumers
    Content
    Control
    Controversy
    Convenience
    Cooking
    Corporate
    Corporate Strategy
    Cost
    Costs
    Coverage
    Crafts
    Creativity
    Credentials
    Credit
    Credit Card
    Crime
    Criminal
    Customers
    Customer Service
    Cyber
    Cyberattack
    Cyberattacks
    Cybercrime
    Cyberinsurance
    Cybersecurity
    Daily Deals
    Data
    Data Plans
    Data Protection
    Dataset
    Dating
    Dead Zones
    Deals
    Defense
    Desktops
    Developing World
    Device
    Devices
    Digital
    Digital Inheritance:
    Disability
    Discount
    Discounts
    Discovery
    Display
    Distractions
    Diversions
    Download
    Drivers
    Driving
    Drones
    Drone Technology
    Ecommerce
    Education
    Educational
    Efficiency
    Email
    Emails
    Emergency
    Emerging Tech
    Employers
    Enabling
    Encryption
    Energy
    Engineering
    Entertainment
    Environment
    Ethics
    Exercise
    Expert
    Experts
    Family
    Family Features
    FCC
    Federal Communications Commission
    Findings
    First Responders
    Fitness
    Flexibility
    Fraud
    Frequencies
    Frequency
    Future
    Gadgets
    Galaxy
    Gaming
    Global
    Good News
    Google
    Google Assistant
    Government
    GPS
    Guide
    Hack
    Hacker
    Hackers
    Hacking
    Hacks
    Headphones
    Health
    Health Care
    Hearing
    Higher Education
    High School
    Home
    Home Assistant
    Home Entertainment
    Home Hub
    Homeowners
    Home Security
    Home Tech
    Home Theater
    Hotspots
    Hot Spots
    House
    Hub
    ID
    Identity
    Identity Theft
    Images
    Infographic
    Information
    Information Technology
    Innovation
    Inspiration
    Insurance
    Interface
    International
    Internet
    Invention
    Investment
    IOS
    IPhone
    IT
    Keywords
    Kids
    Kitchen
    Laptop
    Laptops
    Learning
    LED
    Lifehacks
    Lighting
    Links
    Listen
    Listening
    Lists
    Living Well
    Love
    Machine Learning
    Machines
    Management
    Managing
    Marketing
    Math
    Mathematics
    Media
    Medium
    Membership
    Microsoft
    Military
    Mobile
    Mobile Banking
    Mobile Tech
    Mobility
    Modem
    Money
    Monitors
    Motivation
    Movies
    Music
    Netflix
    News
    On Demand
    Online
    Online Advertising
    Online Shopping
    Options
    Organization
    Overhead
    Paper
    Parental Controls
    Parenting
    Parents
    Password
    Passwords
    Pattern Recognition
    PC
    PCs
    Personal Computer
    Personal Finance
    Personnel
    Phishing
    Phishing Scams
    Phone
    Phones
    Photgraphs
    Photography
    Photos
    Pod
    Podcast
    Podcasts
    Police
    Policies
    Policy
    Predictions
    Preferences
    Prevention
    Privacy
    Privacy Screen
    Privacy Screens
    Program
    Programming
    Promotion
    Protection
    Public Safety
    Public Sector
    Range
    Recycling
    Relationship
    Replace
    Replacement
    Research
    Resolution
    Restaurant
    Retail
    ROI
    Router
    Safety
    Satellite
    Savings
    Scam
    Scams
    Scandal
    Schedule
    Science
    Screen
    Search Engine Optimization
    Security
    Seniors
    Senior Tech
    Sensors
    SEO
    Series
    Shipping
    Shopping
    Shopping Cart
    Small Business
    Smarthome
    Smart Home
    Smart Home Technology
    Smartphone
    Smart Speakers
    Smart TV
    Smartwatch
    Social
    Social Media
    Software
    Sound
    Speakers
    Spotify
    Strategy
    Streaming
    Streaming Services
    Students
    Subscription
    Survey
    Tablet
    Tablets
    Teachers
    Tech
    Technology
    Tech Tips
    Tech Transfer
    Tech Trends
    Teenagers
    Teens
    Television
    Texting
    Thermostat
    Tip
    Tips
    Travel
    Traveling
    Trends
    TV
    UNICEF
    Unlimited Data
    Update
    Updates
    Upgrades
    Usability
    Users
    Utility
    Video
    Video Games
    View
    Viewers
    Viewing
    Virus
    Viruses
    Voice
    Voice Commands
    Voice Command Technology
    Voice Control
    Volume
    Vulnerability
    Vulnerable
    Warranty
    Waste
    Watch
    Wearables
    Wearable Technology
    Wearbles
    Web
    Web Design
    Website
    Wellness
    WiFi
    Wi Fi
    Wi-fi
    Wi-Fi
    Wireless
    Wireless Speakers






    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • HOME
  • Popular IDEAS
    • IDEAS for Your Better Business Life >
      • The Business Idea
      • The Career IDEA
      • The Money Idea
    • IDEAS for Your Better Diversions >
      • The Tech IDEA
      • The Travel IDEA
      • The Auto IDEA
      • The Outdoors IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Better Table >
      • The Food IDEA
      • IDEAS de Cocina Espanola
    • IDEAS for a Better You >
      • The Health IDEA
      • Living Well IDEAS
      • The Fitness IDEA
      • The Beauty IDEA
    • IDEAS for a Happier Home >
      • The Home Idea
      • The Entertaining Idea
      • The Parenting Idea
      • The Senior Living IDEA
      • The Pet IDEA
  • The Video Domain
    • Video IDEAS for Your Better Business Life
  • About
  • Contact
  • ads.txt