Every year, the dependency on technology grows. We use the internet for everything from work and school to entertainment and socializing. As our lives move increasingly online, it’s important to be aware of the risks we face online and take steps to protect ourselves. To help increase awareness about the importance of cybersecurity throughout California, October has been designated as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM).

Speaking To Your Kids About Cybersecurity

If you have kids old enough to use the internet, now is a great time to talk to them about online safety and security. Teach them the importance of choosing strong passwords, being cautious about the information they share online, and not clicking on links from strangers.

It’s also important to establish ground rules for internet use in your home and ensure your kids know what to do if they come across anything online that makes them uncomfortable.

General Cybersecurity Tips To Follow

In addition to talking to your kids about using the internet safely, the following are some general tips to help protect yourself online:

• Use effective passwords. A secure password is one that’s at least eight characters long and includes letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessed words like your name, birth date, or favorite sports team.
  
• Keep your software up to date. Regularly update the software on your computer, phone, and other devices. Hackers exploit security vulnerabilities, so it’s important to keep your devices patched so they can’t take advantage of them.
  
• Be cautious about what you click. Don’t click on links or attachments from people you don’t know. And even if you do know the sender, be careful before you click. Cybercriminals are getting better at disguising their emails to look like they’re from a trusted source.
  
• Don’t share too much on social media. Be mindful of the information you share on social media sites. Hackers can use your publicly available information to answer security questions and access your accounts.

Be sure to follow these tips and talk to your kids about cybersecurity this month. For more safety awareness advice, visit us at The Benefits Store today.