Archives - Security Best Practice


Don’t believe statistics from unreliable sources

This goes for pretty much all information online, but bogus statistics are rampant all over the internet. If you’re writing a paper, article or anything else that cites statistics, try to get them directly from a reputable research study — if a site doesn’t say where it got its numbers, they may not be reliable.

Beware of phishing on new or unfamiliar website

When visiting a website for the first time – perhaps via an email link – lookout for the telling signs of phishing. These may involve misspellings and grammatical mistakes on the page, aggressive advertising and particularly unusual and complex URLs. If you see some or all of them, leave the website straightaway.

Don’t click on pop-up window links

Because many pop-up windows encountered on the internet are often a product of spyware, clicking on the window could install spyware software on your computer. To close the pop-up window, click on the “X” icon in the title bar instead of a “close” link within the window or restart your computer if necessary.

Be careful with whom you share remote computer control

Remote computer control can be useful when troubleshooting if you need someone else to view what’s on your computer. However, when you share that control they’ll have full access to everything on your computer. Only give control to people you can trust. Also, make sure you’re aware of how to instantly cancel the remote control, […]

Get a new phone, laptop or tablet if it’s no longer receiving security updates

Devices such as these only receive security updates for a certain period of time, generally three to five years. Take note of whether your device is still receiving security updates (it may automatically inform you when time expires), and don’t use it beyond its intended lifespan.

Use biometrics or a PIN

Biometrics includes data such as your fingerprint or face, which can be used to unlock your phone or log into apps. These tend to be much faster than typing in a password, and they’re generally secure. On the other hand, biometrics aren’t 100% secure and a stranger may still be able to unlock your phone. […]