Archives - Cybersecurity Tips

Found a USB drive? Don’t plug it in—protect your computer from malware and ransomware

Finding a USB flash drive in a parking lot, office lobby, coffee shop, library, airport, or conference room may spark curiosity. You might want to identify the owner or see what files it contains. However, plugging an unknown USB device into your computer can expose your device—and potentially your entire home or workplace network—to malware, […]

Research apps before sideloading on Android to avoid malware and data theft

Android gives users flexibility to install apps outside the Google Play Store. This process, called sideloading, can help you access beta software, business apps, open-source tools, or legitimate apps unavailable in your region. However, sideloading also bypasses some of the security reviews and protections associated with an official app store. A fake or modified APK […]

Don’t use your real name in online gaming to protect your identity

Online gaming is supposed to be fun, social, and competitive. But your gaming profile can also reveal personal information if you use your real name, a familiar nickname, your birth year, your school name, your town, or a profile picture that clearly connects back to your offline identity. A safer approach is simple: use a […]

Limit personal information online to reduce scams, identity theft, and oversharing risks

Sharing online feels normal. People post birthdays, vacation photos, job updates, school details, favorite hangouts, pet names, family milestones, and profile information without thinking much about it. But the more personal information you distribute online, the easier it becomes for scammers to build a convincing story about you. A safer rule is simple: share less […]

Log out of websites when you’re finished to protect your online accounts

Staying logged in is convenient. You open your laptop, visit your favorite shopping site, email account, streaming app, bank, or job board, and everything is ready to go. No password. No verification code. No delay. But that convenience comes with a risk: if a device is shared, lost, stolen, or infected with malware, an active […]

Change default passwords on home routers and smart devices before hackers find them

Your Wi-Fi router, baby monitor, smart camera, thermostat, doorbell, printer, and other connected devices may arrive with a default username and password. Sometimes those credentials are printed on a sticker. Sometimes they are listed in a manual. Sometimes they are as simple as admin/admin or admin/password. That may make setup easier, but it also gives […]