5 Tips to Stay Safe Online

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

A strong password is your first line of defense. Here's what makes a good password:

• At least 12 characters long
• Mix of uppercase and lowercase letters
• Include numbers and symbols (!@#$%)
• Never use personal info like birthdays or pet names

Pro tip: Use a different password for each account. If remembering them all is hard, consider a password manager—I can help you set one up!

2. Watch Out for Phishing Emails

Phishing emails try to trick you into giving away personal information. They often look like they're from banks, Amazon, or the IRS. Here's how to spot them:

• Urgent language like "Act now!" or "Your account will be closed!"
• Spelling mistakes and poor grammar
• Sender email that doesn't match the company
• Links that look suspicious when you hover over them

When in doubt: Don't click any links. Call the company directly using a number from their official website.

3. Keep Your Software Updated

Those update notifications might seem annoying, but they're important! Updates often fix security holes that hackers could exploit.

• Turn on automatic updates when possible
• Update your operating system (Windows or Mac)
• Keep your web browser current
• Update apps on your phone and tablet too

4. Be Careful on Public Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi at coffee shops and airports is convenient, but it's not always secure. Hackers can sometimes see what you're doing on public networks.

• Avoid online banking on public Wi-Fi
• Don't enter passwords or credit card numbers
• Use your phone's data instead when possible
• Look for "https://" in website addresses (the 's' means secure)

5. Trust Your Instincts

If something feels off, it probably is. Common red flags include:

• Unexpected calls claiming to be from Microsoft or Apple
• Pop-ups saying your computer is infected
• Requests for gift cards as payment
• Offers that seem too good to be true

Remember: Legitimate companies will never ask for your password or demand immediate payment via gift cards.