Cybersecurity tips may bring about more confusion than clarity. Here’s a quick and clear digest of our best tips to help you stay safe online!

Secure Your Computer

• Stay up to date. Turn on automatic updates so your computer has the latest security software and operating system.
• Protect your files by making regular backups and storing them in the cloud or off-site, but NOT on the same computer.
• Clean up your email inbox and computer files regularly. Empty junk folders, mark unwanted or suspicious messages as spam and delete your browser cookies. 

Secure Your Passwords

• A strong password is key. Make your “password” a “passphrase” — a sentence at least 12 characters long. Maybe a Yoda-like sentence such as, “Love_Aggieland_I_Do.”
• Be unique. Use a different passphrase for every account. Otherwise, criminals only need to figure out one password to begin hacking all your accounts.
• To remember all your passphrases, use a reputable and secure online password keeper. 

Secure Your Email

• Think before you click. Fraudulent emails make you think immediate action is required.
• Bad grammar and spelling mistakes are major red flags for phishing messages!
• Watch those links! Scammers often hide fake URLs in hyperlinks. Always hover over links to see where they are actually taking you.