Password

May 25 2025

Check your social media privacy settings!

SJ CyberAware All, Daily Tips, Password, Protect

Regularly check and update your social media privacy settings to keep your personal information secure. Each platform has its own settings, typically found under “Settings” or “Account.” Key areas to review include who can see your posts, profile visibility, tagging and review, app permissions, and ad preferences. Updating these settings can significantly enhance your online security.

Setting habits
Keeping your social media privacy settings updated helps protect your personal information from unwanted access. Make sure to:
Limit who can see your posts—adjust settings to control visibility.
Review app permissions—some third-party apps may have more access than needed.
Check login locations—monitor where your account has been accessed.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security.
Avoid sharing sensitive details like location, phone numbers, or financial info publicly.
Taking a few minutes to update your settings can go a long way in keeping your personal information secure!

May 23 2025

Password managers

SJ CyberAware All, Daily Tips, Password, Protect

Password managers make life so much easier when it comes to keeping your accounts secure. They create strong, unique passwords for every account and store them safely, so you don’t have to remember them all. Instead, you just need one master password to access everything. Plus, they can autofill login details, saving you time. With passwords stored securely and accessible across all your devices, you get both convenience and better security without the hassle of remembering tons of passwords!

What to look for.
Using a password manager is one of the easiest ways to keep your accounts secure while avoiding the hassle of remembering multiple passwords. Here’s what to look for and how to use one effectively:
Best Practices for Using a Password Manager
Use a Strong Master Password – This is the only password you’ll need to remember, so make it long, complex, and unique.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Adds an extra layer of security to your password manager login.
Keep It Updated – Ensure your password manager is always running the latest version to stay protected from vulnerabilities.
Store Only What’s Needed – Avoid saving passwords for highly sensitive accounts, like banking, in shared or unsecured password managers.
Be Mindful of Syncing Across Devices – Use a trusted, secure password manager that allows seamless access across your devices.
Regularly Check for Breached Passwords – Many password managers offer alerts for compromised passwords—change them immediately if flagged.
What to Look for in a Password Manager
End-to-End Encryption – Ensures that only you can access your stored passwords.
Zero-Knowledge Security Model – The provider should have no access to your password data.
Multi-Device Support – Works across your phone, tablet, and computer for easy access.
Password Generator – Helps create strong, random passwords for new accounts.
Secure Sharing Features – Allows you to safely share login credentials with trusted contacts.
Auto-Fill & Auto-Save – Saves passwords as you create them and fills them in when you need them.
Dark Web Monitoring – Alerts you if any of your credentials appear in leaked data breaches.
Recommendations
Choosing the right password manager makes life easier without compromising security. Personally, I use BitWarden, it’s simple to set up, effortless to use, and easy to manage. Every password manager has its own strengths, so the best option depends on what suits your needs best.
Here are five of the best password managers available right now:
NordPass – Offers strong security features, including end-to-end encryption and password health reports.
1Password – Great for beginners, with an easy-to-use interface and strong security measures.
Bitwarden – A top choice for free users, providing open-source security and unlimited syncing.
Dashlane – Known for its advanced security features and user-friendly design.
Proton Pass – Ideal for privacy-focused users, with strong encryption and dark web monitoring.
Looking for help choosing the right one, please get in touch.

May 20 2025

Monitor account activity!

SJ CyberAware All, Daily Tips, Password, Protect

Regularly monitoring your accounts for unusual activity is an essential step in protecting your finances and personal information. Make it a habit to check your bank, credit card, and online accounts to spot any suspicious transactions early. Set up alerts to notify you of unexpected activity, ensuring you can react swiftly. Reviewing your statements each month helps you catch unauthorized charges, and reporting any concerns immediately prevents further issues. Staying proactive with account security reduces the risk of fraud and identity theft.

Account monitoring tips
Staying on top of your accounts is a simple habit that can help prevent fraud and keep your personal information secure!
Check your accounts often – Regularly review your bank, credit card, and online accounts to catch anything unusual early.
Set up alerts – Enable notifications for big purchases, failed login attempts, or withdrawals so you’re instantly aware.
Go over your statements – Take a few minutes each month to check for any transactions that don’t look right.
Use strong security measures – Unique passwords, two-factor authentication, and security questions add an extra layer of protection.
Monitor your credit report – Keep tabs on your credit history to spot unauthorized loans or suspicious activity.
Be cautious with shared access – If someone else has access to your accounts, make sure they follow good security habits.
Report anything suspicious – If you notice unexpected charges or activity, contact your bank or provider immediately.
If you need further advice or support please contact us.

May 16 2025

Never reuse your passwords.

SJ CyberAware All, Daily Tips, Password, Protect

Never reuse your passwords, keeping them unique is key to protecting your accounts. If you use the same password everywhere, a single breach could put multiple accounts at risk. A password manager helps by generating and storing strong passwords, so you don’t have to remember them all. Make sure your passwords are complex, using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Staying proactive with password security reduces the risk of hacking and keeps your information safe.

Best Practice
Using different passwords for every account is a simple but powerful way to keep your info safe from hackers. Sticking to these best practices helps lock down your accounts and makes it way harder for anyone to break in!
Never reuse passwords – If one account gets hacked, reusing a password can put multiple accounts at risk.
Use a password manager – These tools generate and store strong, unique passwords for each account, so you don’t have to remember them all.
Create complex passwords – Mix uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to make them harder to crack.
Make passwords long – Aim for at least 12–16 characters to strengthen security.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) – Adds an extra layer of protection, requiring a second verification step beyond just the password.
Avoid personal details – Don’t use easily guessed information like birthdays, names, or common words.
Change passwords if compromised – If a website you use gets breached, update your password immediately to secure your account.
Be wary of phishing attacks – Cybercriminals may try to trick you into giving away your login details—don’t click suspicious links or enter passwords on untrusted sites.
Regularly update passwords – While not needed for all accounts, change passwords for sensitive accounts like banking and email every few months.
Need help finding a good password manager, get in touch.

May 16 2025

Keep personal information private!

SJ CyberAware All, Daily Tips, Password, Protect

Keeping your personal info safe online is super important! Try not to overshare on social media, what you post can stick around forever. Check your privacy settings so only the right people can see your stuff. Be careful about what details you give out, especially anything sensitive like addresses or financial info. Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts, and if you can, turn on two-factor authentication for extra security. Stay sharp and keep an eye out for anything sketchy so you don’t fall into any traps. Keeping things locked down doesn’t have to be complicated!

Keeping private information private!
Maintaining privacy means being careful about what you share and how you safeguard your data. Simple, mindful habits can make a big difference in keeping your personal information secure.
Limit What You Share Online – Be cautious about posting personal details like your location, birthday, or financial info on social media.
Adjust Privacy Settings – Lock down your accounts so only trusted people can see your content.
Use Strong Passwords – Make sure each account has a unique, complex password to keep hackers out.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication – Add an extra security layer to your logins for better protection.
Beware of Phishing Scams – Avoid clicking suspicious links or giving out personal details via email or messages.
Keep Software Updated – Regularly update apps, devices, and security software to patch vulnerabilities.
Be Careful on Public Wi-Fi – Use a VPN or avoid logging into sensitive accounts when using open networks.
Watch Out for Oversharing in Conversations – Be mindful when chatting with strangers or filling out online forms.
Monitor Your Accounts Regularly – Check bank statements, social media, and email accounts for any suspicious activity.
If you need any help locking down security settings or further advice on securing personal information, please contact us.

May 15 2025

Guard Your Passwords

SJ CyberAware All, Daily Tips, Password, Protect

Guarding your passwords is essential. A password acts as the first line of defence against unauthorized access to your accounts and sensitive data. By maintaining strong, unique passwords, you significantly reduce the risk of cybercriminals breaching your personal or professional information.

Best Practice Advice
Keeping your passwords safe is key to protecting your accounts. Keep these best practice tips in mind.
Make Them Strong – Use long passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid easy guesses like “123456” or “password.”
Use a Password Manager – These tools store and encrypt passwords securely, so you don’t have to remember them all.
Don’t Reuse Passwords – Each account should have its own unique password. If one gets compromised, others stay safe.
Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – This adds an extra layer of security, requiring a second step (like a phone code) to log in.
Be Wary of Phishing Scams – Don’t click on suspicious emails or messages asking for login details.
Change Passwords If Needed – If you suspect a breach, update passwords immediately to keep your accounts secure.
Keep Passwords Private – Never share them with anyone, and avoid writing them down in unsecured places.
If you need more information on any specific step or have additional questions, please contact SJ Cyber Aware and we can help you….

May 14 2025

Use complex passwords or passphrases.

SJ CyberAware All, Daily Tips, Password, Protect

For enhanced security, always use complex passwords or passphrases. Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, or use a memorable series of random words. Avoid reusing passwords across accounts, and consider using a password manager to generate and store them securely. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts and keeps your sensitive information safe.

Password Best Practice
Creating a strong password or passphrase is key to keeping your accounts secure. A few simple yet effective habits to follow are:
Make It Long – The longer, the better! Aim for at least 12–16 characters for passwords and even longer for passphrases.
Use a Mix of Characters – Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to make it harder to guess.
Avoid Common Words & Patterns – Stay away from predictable words, names, birthdays, or sequences like “123456” or “password.”
Try a Passphrase – Use a random combination of words (like “BlueTiger7$Sunset!”) to create something memorable yet secure.
Don’t Reuse Passwords – Every account should have a unique password to prevent a breach from spreading.
Use a Password Manager – These tools generate and store strong passwords so you don’t have to remember them all.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Even a strong password is better when paired with an extra security step.

May 14 2025

Two-factor authentication.

SJ CyberAware All, Daily Tips, Password, Protect

Two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. It requires not only a password but also a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, making your accounts much more secure. Double the security, double the peace of mind.

MFA Best Practice
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) enhances account security by adding an extra layer of protection. It significantly reduces the chances of unauthorized access, making it much more difficult for attackers to breach your accounts.
Use App-Based Authentication – Instead of SMS codes (which can be intercepted), use authenticator apps like Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator for better security.
Enable MFA Everywhere Possible – Turn it on for emails, banking, social media, and any account that offers it to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Keep Backup Codes Safe – Many services provide backup codes in case you lose access—store them securely, like in a password manager.
Watch Out for Phishing Scams – Attackers may try to trick you into revealing authentication codes, so always verify requests before entering codes.
Use Hardware Security Keys for Extra Protection – If available, security keys like YubiKey provide an even stronger layer of authentication.
Need help setting it up on a specific account?

May 13 2025

Encryption keeps your data safe.

SJ CyberAware All, Daily Tips, Password, Protect

Encryption is a powerful tool for safeguarding your data. It converts your information into a secure code, making it accessible only to those with the decryption key. This helps protect sensitive data from unauthorized access, ensuring that even if it’s intercepted, it remains unreadable. By using strong encryption methods, you can significantly enhance your data security and maintain privacy. Stay safe and keep your data protected.

Good Habits
Making security a habit is easier than it sounds—here’s how you can do it without too much hassle:

Use Strong Passwords – Choose long, unique passwords for each account. A password manager can save you from remembering them all!

Turn On Two-Step Verification – Many services offer this (like banks and social media), making it tougher for hackers to break in.

Keep Everything Updated – Set your devices and apps to update automatically so you don’t have to think about it.

Be Careful with Public Wi-Fi – Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on open networks, or use a VPN for extra security.

Back Up Important Files – Cloud storage or an external drive can protect your data if your device gets lost or compromised.

Watch Out for Scams – Be cautious with emails or messages asking for personal info, and don’t click on suspicious links.

Limit Who Can See Your Data – Adjust privacy settings on social media and apps to control who has access.

Little tweaks like these make a big difference without much effort.