Archives - Security Best Practice


Consider upgrading your device if it’s no longer getting updates

Many smartphones, tablets and laptops are eventually abandoned by their manufacturers, at least when it comes to regular security and OS updates. If this happens to a device you rely on, consider switching it out for a newer or alternative version or one that is still receiving these critical patches and upgrades.

Avoid using debit cards for online purchases

Credit cards usually offer some protection against identity theft and may limit the monetary amount you will be responsible for paying. Debit cards, however, do not offer that protection. Because the charges are immediately deducted from your account, an attacker who obtains your account information may empty your bank account before you even realize it.

Double-check for HTTPS when you’re on a shared network

It’s just one letter, but there’s a big difference between HTTP and HTTPS in a URL. HTTPS encrypts all page and form data on the site in question, making it essential when using sensitive applications like online banking or e-commerce. If you’re using Wi-Fi in a cafe, hotel or school, checking for HTTPS is critical […]

Don’t follow links in email spam messages

Some spam relies on generators that try variations of email addresses at certain domains. If you click a link within an email message or reply to a certain address, you are just confirming that your email address is valid. Unwanted messages that offer an “unsubscribe” option are particularly tempting, but this is often just a […]

3 Signs a Midterm Election Call, Text, or Post Might be Risky

During the last days of election season, get-out-the-vote initiatives go into full swing. Most candidates now have multifaceted operations involving phone banking, targeted texting and email campaigns, which seek to engage likely supporters across multiple channels. Modern campaigning still involves significant expenditures on standbys like TV and radio advertising, but it has evolved dramatically in the […]

Reboot devices to purge malware

Many malware variants are stored in RAM, meaning that once you reset the device in question, they disappear. This was the case for the VPN Filter malware that affected many routers. Reboot regularly to stay safe.