How to Better Protect Your Personal Information

A person holding an iphone in front of a laptop.

How to Better Protect Your Personal Information


When was the last time you sat in a coffee shop or airport and used the free Wi-Fi? We all do, but did you know that by doing this you could be compromising your personal information? Here are a few recommendations from the University of Michigan on how you can better protect your personal information:

 

  1. Don’t access personal or financial data with public Wi-Fi –

This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people check their bank accounts or make purchases with a credit card while using public Wi-Fi. It’s best to do those things on a secure connection.

  1. Turn off anything you don’t need –

Hackers can use certain features on your phone to get at your information, location or connection. So, instead of keeping your GPS, wireless connection and geo-tracking on all the time, just turn them on when you need them.

  1. Choose your apps wisely –

Only download apps from trustworthy sources that have established a good reputation. Make sure you update your software and apps regularly and get rid of old apps you don’t use.

  1. Use a password, lock code or encryption –

Make sure your passwords are at least eight characters long, with a mix of upper and lower case, and include numbers or other characters, and never use the auto-complete feature for passwords. You can use the storage encryption feature on your phone to protect your private data and set your screen to timeout after five minutes or less.

  1. Be skeptical about links and attachments –

If you’re not sure about the source, don’t use the link or open the attachment.

  1. Trace or erase. Make sure your data is secure if your mobile device is stolen or lost. You can set up your device to lock itself after a pre-set number of failed log-in attempts.

 

At CAV Insurance in Wellesley, MA wework with companies like Chubb who offer a broad range of protection to help keep you and your family safe.

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