Here are some essential tips to help you stay safe and secure online:

• Be Careful with Personal Information: Be cautious about sharing personal information on social media and other websites. Oversharing can make you vulnerable to identity theft or other online threats.
• Review Privacy Settings: Regularly review and adjust the privacy settings on your social media accounts and other online platforms to control who can see your information.
• Be Skeptical: Be cautious about clicking on ads, pop-ups, or offers that seem too good to be true. Scammers often use enticing offers to lure victims.
• Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest online threats and scams to recognize potential risks.
• Shop Safely Online: When shopping online, make sure you are on a secure and legitimate website (look for “https://” and a padlock icon in the address bar). Avoid entering your credit card information on unsecured or suspicious sites.
• Use Anti-Malware Software: Install reputable anti-malware and antivirus software on your devices and keep it up to date to detect and prevent malicious software from infecting your system.
• Use Anti-Malware Software: Install reputable anti-malware and antivirus software on your devices and keep it up to date to detect and prevent malicious software from infecting your system.
• Use Secure Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities such as online banking, as these networks are often less secure. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a VPN.
• Secure Your Devices: Set up passcodes or biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint or face recognition) on your smartphones and other devices to prevent unauthorized access.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication for your online accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary code, usually sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password.
• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN can encrypt your internet connection and help protect your online privacy, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.
• Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, and all installed applications. Software updates often include security patches that protect you from newly discovered vulnerabilities.
• Limit App Permissions: Review the permissions requested by mobile apps before installing them. Only grant access to the data and functions they genuinely require.
• Be Cautious with Email: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious sources. Phishing emails can be convincing and may lead you to fake websites that steal your information.
• Most Importantly, Use Strong and Unique Passwords: See our guide for creating strong passwords.

Remember, online security is an ongoing process, and it’s essential to stay vigilant and adapt to new threats as they emerge. By following these best practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to online threats and protect your digital identity and information.

For more information or answers to any questions, please visit our Customer Care Center, use our Contact Form, or call us at (617) 969-4300.