Daily tips to create awareness of cyber threats and empower Total Defense users to be safer and more secure online with our security tips and resources..
Smart speakers like Amazon Alexa and Google Home are super handy. They can play music, answer questions, and even control your smart home devices. But here’s the thing: they’re always listening for that wake word (“Alexa,” “Hey Google”) to spring into action. This can be a bit creepy for privacy-conscious folks.
Silence the Listening:
The good news is, you can take control! Most smart speakers have a physical button or switch that disables the listening feature. This means your speaker won’t be actively waiting for its wake word until you turn it back on.
Finding the Mute Button:
Here’s a quick guide:
Why Silence Your Speaker?
While these devices are convenient, some people feel uncomfortable with the constant listening. Here are some reasons to consider turning it off:
Remember: You’re in control of your smart speaker’s features. If privacy is a concern, use the mute button to disable the listening function and reclaim your audio space.
Ever worry about someone snagging your password and sneaking into your accounts? Two-factor authentication (2FA) is your security superhero, adding an extra layer of protection. And for your Google Account, there’s a super convenient 2FA option called “prompts.”
What are Prompts?
Imagine trying to enter a building – you need a key (your password) and a special code from the guard (the prompt). That’s how Google prompts work! When you try to log in to your Google Account from a new device, you’ll get a notification on your phone asking you to confirm it’s really you.
Why Prompts? They’re Awesome!
Here’s why Google prompts are a great choice for 2FA:
How to Enable Prompts:
Remember: Don’t leave your accounts vulnerable! Enable Google prompts for your Google Account and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with extra login security.
Ever lend your phone to a friend and completely forget they logged into their Google Account on it? Or maybe you sold your old laptop without wiping it clean. These situations can leave a digital trail – your Google Account access on someone else’s device. Yikes! But don’t panic, there’s a way to check and clean things up.
Google’s Device Dashboard: Your Login Spy
Your Google Account settings have a hidden gem called the “Device Activity” or “Your devices” panel. This is basically a list of all the devices that have recently accessed your account. It’s a great way to see if there are any unfamiliar devices lurking around.
Spot a Stranger? Log Them Out!
Here’s the drill:
Extra Cyberecurity Tips:
Taking control of the devices that access your Google Account is an important security step. By using the Device Activity panel and enabling 2FA, you can keep your account safe and sound.
Ever tried connecting your email to a new app, but it keeps asking for a weird “app password”? Don’t worry, it’s not a trick question. App passwords are a special kind of security key that helps keep your accounts safe.
Why App Passwords?
Imagine your main email password is like your house key – it opens the main door. An app password is more like a guest key – it lets a specific app access your email, but it doesn’t give them full control. This extra layer of security helps protect your data from unauthorized access.
Where Do I Find Them?
App passwords usually live in your account settings on the main website or app for your email service (like Gmail or Outlook). Look for a section on “app passwords” or “security.” Here, you can generate a unique app password for each app you want to connect.
Keeping Control:
The best part? You have complete control over these app passwords. You can:
The Benefits of App Passwords:
Remember: App passwords are a powerful tool for keeping your online accounts secure. By using them wisely, you can connect your favorite apps without compromising your data.
The key is to diversify where you store your data. Think of it like having multiple safes for your valuables! Here are a few options:
Double the Protection is Twice as Nice
Using a combination of local and cloud backups gives you the best of both worlds:
Don’t wait for disaster to strike! Start backing up your important data today. By using a combination of local and cloud storage, you can ensure your precious information is safe and sound.
We all know the struggle – you need to log in to your favorite website, but where on earth is that password? Juggling multiple accounts and passwords can be a nightmare. But fear not, there’s a superhero in your corner: your web browser’s autofill feature!
Autofill: Your Digital Login Sidekick
Strong Passwords Still Matter!
While autofill is convenient, it’s important to remember that strong passwords are still essential. Autofill doesn’t make your passwords any stronger, it just remembers them for you. Here are some tips for creating strong passwords:
Security Perks of Autofill:
Autofill is a handy tool that can make your online life easier and more secure. Just remember to create strong passwords and you’re golden.
Ever heard of a software update? It’s like a digital shield for your computer, phone, or any device you use online. These updates fix security holes that hackers love to exploit. The sooner you install them, the safer you are!
So, how do you know when an update is available? Here’s the lowdown:
Update Detectives:
Why Wait? Update Now!
Think of those security holes as cracks in your digital armor. Hackers love to find these cracks and sneak in to steal your information or mess with your device. Updates patch those holes, keeping you safe.
Here’s a bonus tip: Never download updates from suspicious emails! Updates always come from the official website of the software company, not some random stranger in your inbox.
Keeping your software up-to-date is a simple but powerful way to protect yourself online. By following these tips, you can make sure your devices are always shielded and secure.
Ever gotten locked out of your account because you mistyped your password for the hundredth time? We’ve all been there. Those little dots hiding your password as you type can be super secure, but also super frustrating!
Here’s the thing: toggling the password visibility setting (that little eye icon you often see) can actually help you avoid those annoying lockouts. Why? Because seeing what you’re typing ensures you’re entering the correct characters.
But Isn’t Hiding My Password More Secure?
Yes and no. Password masking (hiding your password with dots) is a great security feature, especially on public computers or if someone might be peeking over your shoulder. But if you’re confident you’re in a safe space, seeing your password can be a benefit.
The Perks of Password Visibility:
Even if you enable password visibility, be aware of your surroundings. If someone is lurking nearby, switch it back to hidden mode.
The Key Takeaway:
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to password visibility. It depends on the situation. But if you’re confident you’re in a safe space, toggling that eye icon can help you avoid those frustrating login struggles.
Imagine your favorite pair of jeans. You’ve loved them for years, but eventually, they get worn out and ripped. Software can be like that too. Sometimes, companies decide to stop supporting a program, which means no more updates or security patches. This software is then considered “end-of-life” (EOL).
Why should you care? Here’s the deal: EOL software is like a house with a broken lock – it’s wide open for hackers! Without updates, security vulnerabilities can pop up, making it easy for attackers to sneak malware (bad software) onto your computer and steal your information.
The Dangers of Clinging to EOL Software:
What Can You Do?
Don’t let your software become a security risk. By keeping things up-to-date and retiring EOL programs, you’re taking a big step towards protecting your computer and your precious data.
Ever heard of a “software patch”? It might sound fancy, but it’s actually a pretty simple concept. Patches are like little updates for your computer programs and operating system (OS) that fix security holes and keep your tech healthy.
Think of it like this: imagine your favorite jacket has a small tear. A patch would be that perfect little fabric piece that sews it up, making your jacket strong and ready to wear again. Software patches work the same way, but for the digital world!
Why Patches Matter:
Patching Made Easy:
Regular patching is an essential part of keeping your computer safe and healthy. By keeping your software up-to-date, you’re making it much harder for hackers to steal your information or mess with your files.
Social media is all about connecting with people but hold on a sec. While building a big follower list might seem cool, it’s important to be choosy about who you let into your online world. Not everyone with a funny meme or a seemingly perfect profile pic is who they say they are. So, how can you make sure you’re connecting with real people you can trust?
Quality over Quantity:
Stranger Danger Goes Digital:
When it comes to social media, it’s okay to be a little suspicious. Taking the time to verify who you’re connecting with can save you a lot of headaches down the road.
We all love sharing our lives on social media – that vacation pic, that hilarious cat video, that delicious dinner you cooked. But hold on a sec! Everything you post online, well, it kinda stays online forever. And while sharing is fun, it’s important to be mindful of what you put out there.
Here’s the deal: Once you hit “post,” that information becomes part of your digital footprint, and it’s not always easy to control who sees it. So, how can you share safely and smartly?
Privacy Power Up:
Think Twice Before You Type (or Click):
Once you post something online, it’s almost impossible to completely erase it. So, take a deep breath, think about who might see your post, and consider if it’s something you’d be comfortable sharing with everyone.
We all love free Wi-Fi, but public Wi-Fi networks, like at coffee shops or parks, are convenient, but they can be risky for your data. Why? Because they’re often not very secure, meaning someone could potentially snoop on your online activity.
So, how can you stay safe while surfing the web? Here’s the scoop:
A little caution goes a long way. By choosing trusted connections and taking some precautions, you can keep your online activity safe and sound.
Ever feel like your Gmail might be acting a little…strange? Maybe emails are going missing, or you see unfamiliar addresses in your “Sent” folder. Don’t worry, it could be a simple setting gone rogue!
The good news is, Gmail lets you customize tons of stuff, from how you view emails to where you send them from. But with all that power comes a little responsibility – you must to keep an eye on those settings.
Here’s why a quick review is a smart move:
How to Do a Security Check-Up:
A few minutes spent checking your settings can save you a big headache (and maybe some embarrassment!)
We’ve all been there. You open your inbox and see an email that raises your eyebrows. Maybe the sender’s address looks like a jumbled mess, the subject line screams urgency with bad grammar, or there’s an attachment you wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole. These are the red flags of a suspicious email, and the worst thing you can do is reply. Replying can open a can of worms, so let’s break down why it’s risky and what you should do instead.
Why Replying is a Big No-No:
Your Safe Email Action Plan:
Now that you know why replying is a bad idea, here’s what to do when a suspicious email lands in your inbox:
By following these tips, you can transform yourself from a potential victim into a savvy email security pro. Remember, a little caution goes a long way in protecting yourself from email scams and keeping your inbox safe.
Sick of typing passwords all the time? Windows Hello can help! It lets you sign in to your Windows PC with your face, fingerprint, or even iris scan. No more scrambling to remember complex passwords.
Plus, it’s more secure than a regular password. Hackers can guess passwords, but they can’t steal your face! Windows Hello uses special hardware to recognize you, so it’s super safe.
Here’s how to get started:
Now you can unlock your PC with just a glance or a tap! Isn’t that cool?
Ever get an email that just feels…off? Maybe it’s from a friend but the tone seems strange, or it has an urgent request out of the blue. Hold on! These could be phishing scams. Here’s how to stay safe:
Phishing for Information:
Scammers use phishing emails to trick you into revealing personal information like passwords or credit card details. They might:
Don’t trust everything you see in your inbox. If an email seems suspicious, delete it and contact the sender directly through a trusted channel. Stay safe out there.
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