Senior Tech Group
Getting Comfortable With The Basics

Securing Your Online Accounts 

Staying secure online requires a few simple things to create a safe, private, and secure experience. These include good passwords, 2-factor authentication, up-to-date devices, and patched software. In this session, I will explain what you should do to have a safe and secure online experience. We cover these topics and more weekly during our online meetings. 

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Password management can sometimes be overwhelming. As a result, we can make choices that weaken our online security. Using a password manager will protect account info while making your passwords safer and easier to create, store, and recall. 

Never store passwords in an unsafe place like a desk drawer or written on sticky notes that can fall into the wrong hands. Keeping passwords in a spreadsheet, online accounts, or web browsers is not a good idea. Because these methods usually don’t use Encryption to protect the passwords. Instead, use a password manager with solid security practices to create and store complex, encrypted passwords on secure external servers.

Use 2-factor authentication (2FA). It’s a second credential, such as a code sent through an app or email account. In addition, some 2FA techniques use biometrics like fingerprints or facial recognition. These extra 2FA security steps make it nearly impossible for a bad guy to access your accounts without having your device in their possession.

Install the latest software and app updates. Apply all updates and patches to your Windows and Mac computers, iOS and Android phones, and tablets. Remember your router and Internet of Things devices in your home.

Back up your data security also includes protecting against data loss. Losing data could result from ransom attacks, but losing data is likely due to the user’s equipment failure or accidental deletion.

Prevent phishing scams from compromising your online accounts. Phishing scams use fake emails and websites to trick users into providing account or login information. Do not click on links or open any attachments or pop-up screens. What Is Phishing?

Keep personal information private. Hackers can use information in social media profiles to figure out passwords and answer those security questions in the password reset tools. So monitor your social media privacy settings, and don’t share birthdays, addresses, mother’s maiden name, etc. Also, avoid social media requests to connect with people you do not know.

Secure your home wireless network with a strong and unique password. When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, surf on a secure (https://) connection and be cautious about what information you send. 

Browser Cash and History Occasionally, the browser cash can have some of its data corrupted. Clearing the cash can restore the regular browser operation. Browser history might allow others who can access your computer to see what sites you have recently visited. In this case, clearing the browser history will remove these clues to your surfing habits.

Remove GPS location information from photos. When you take a picture, your phone stores metadata. Details like the device you took it on, camera settings, the date, time, and where you took it—the saved information known as EXIF data.

Sending a picture you took in a public place is okay. When you send picture after picture from the family gathering, anyone who can access this info knows where you live.

We Discuss These Security Issues In Detail During Our Weekly Online Programs.

Password Manager

Use a password manager like Bitwarden. You only have to create one memorable password to unlock the password manager. After that, the password manager secure password generator can generate all other passwords. I covered setting up Biwarden in my five-part program Getting To Know Your Password Manager.

To make your one unique password, follow the steps in my article “Creating One Strong Easy to Remember Password” for use as a Master Password.

Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA), sometimes called two-step verification or dual-factor authentication, is a security process in which users provide two different authentication items to verify themselves. This process protects both the user’s credentials and the user’s account.

2FAS app; it’s one of the best multi-factor authentication apps.

The setup of a 2FA for an account is easy. TouchID, Encrypted Backups, and more keep you secure. 2FAS Backup prevents account lockout when you lose your phone. In addition, its sync feature provides 2FA codes across multiple devices, phones, tablets, and desktops.

Configure An Account For 2FA Security With the 2FAS app.

Each online account has a different setup process. For step-by-step instructions on adding a specific online account to Authy, please see our 2FA configuration guides for popular services. Here are our detailed guides.

It may still be supported if you need to see your account listed. Check to see if it supports software tokens at the 2FA Directory. You’ll also find a link to set up information for each site under docs.

Add an Account Token to 2FAS app

Configure accounts for 2FA security then, you can add it to your 2FAS app. 

Install the latest software and app updates.

Get the latest Windows update. – To check for updates, select Start > Settings > Windows Update, then select Check for updates. If updates are available, you can choose to install them.

Install updates manually on your Mac. – To download macOS software updates, choose Apple menu > System Settings, click General in the sidebar (you may need to scroll down), then click Software Update on the right.

Update your Chromebook’s operating system – Check for updates yourself – At the bottom right, select the time, click Settings > At the bottom left, select About ChromeOS. > Under “Google ChromeOS,” find which version of the Chrome operating system your Chromebook uses. Select Check for updates. > If your Chromebook finds a software update, it will download automatically.

Also, check your browser and other applications you use for updates.

Back up your data

Back up your Mac with Time Machine. File History will automatically back up critical folders and files in Windows.

See the Senior Tech Group article Backing Up Your Data – Why You Need To Do It for complete details.

Help and Instructional Videos

Two-Factor Authentication

 

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