Online Security is as Important as Home Security
The internet is a remarkably modern convenience. It brings together friends and family, enhances education, allows for instant access to news, and makes it easier to shop for the goods you need—all of this from the convenience of your home. While we all know the importance of keeping your home safe, many individuals forget to protect themselves from the possibility of a security attack online.
Limit the Chances of Identity Theft
The internet has taken consumerism to new levels by connecting buyers and sellers from around the globe, but transactions conducted online could lead to possible identity theft. If proper security isn't applied, thieves can get their hands on your credit card, bank, or social security number. With this information, they could make fraudulent charges, take out loans, or apply for government funding. The goods news is, if this happens to you, most of these issues are rectifiable, but they take time to fix.
How to protect yourself: Check with your bank or credit card company about the different options they provide in case of fraudulent charges to your card. Monitor your account regularly and pull free credit reports online to make sure everything is in order.
Protect Your Privacy and Confidentiality
Your home is a place where you are supposed to feel safe and be able to relax with your family. Ideally, this concept should transfer over to your home internet usage, but there are a lot of opportunities for compromisation of your privacy and confidentiality. The internet has revolutionized the way we store and send information, but it also makes us vulnerable. Sometimes the intrusion is businesses trying to conduct market research, which is harmless, but without the proper online defense, you could become the victim of fraud or theft.
How to protect yourself: Don't respond to requests for personal information. If you receive a request from a bank or company you do business with but are suspicious, call them directly to give your information rather than put everything in an email.
Viruses can Damage Computers
Not all security threats involve stealing information. Some hackers are just looking for ways to cause damage to your computer or disrupt your service. They can do this with viruses, trojans, and malicious software you unintentionally download or open online. Sometimes, these types of threats lead to stolen "data" which could be files like videos, images, or personal information saved to your hard drive. What usually happens, however, is a breakdown of usability when they make your computer inoperable. If the attacks cause enough damage, your entire system might need replacing.
How to protect yourself: You can start by ensuring you have the latest version of software installed on your computer because companies like Windows and Apple are constantly updating their system to protect from these hacks. Add an additional layer of protection by installing anti-virus software on your computer and keep it up-to-date as well.
Don’t Let Anyone Access Your Data
Large businesses and the government aren't the only ones who have to consider what would happen if their data is stolen. Homeowners need to think about the sort of information they keep on their computer's hard drive. As we previously mentioned, malicious software and viruses give some hackers remote access to your desktop which means they can leaf through videos, photos, and any documents that contain personal information.
How to protect yourself: Start by not keeping documents on your hard drive that contain sensitive information. Some people have a list of their passwords, PDF forms, or download bank statements and keep these copies on their computers. Instead, find an external hard drive where you can place this information. Also, don't download anything suspicious from an email and check that any third-party software is reputable before downloading to limit the chances of getting a virus.
If you are looking for other ways to protect your home and your family, call NCA today at 615.777.7622 to learn more about the products and services we provide.