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Navigating the internet can feel like walking a tightrope. One wrong step and your personal information could be exposed. The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to protect yourself. These five simple actions will help you secure your online accounts, keep hackers out, and give you peace of mind.

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords for Every Account

Hackers love weak passwords. If you’re still using “123456” or your pet’s name, you’re practically holding the door open for them.

How to create strong passwords:

• At least 15 characters long
• Mix upper/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
• Avoid dictionary words and personal info
• Use a different password for every account

💡 Pro Tip: Remembering dozens of passwords is impossible, unless you use a password manager.
I recommend 1Password because it’s secure, easy to use, and works across all your devices.

2. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Even strong passwords can be stolen. 2FA adds a second lock to your account, like a one-time code sent to your phone or generated by an authentication app.

• Enable 2FA on email, banking, and social media accounts first.
• Use an authentication app (like Authy or Google Authenticator) instead of SMS when possible.

3. Keep Your Software Updated

Those “Update Now” pop-ups aren’t just for new features. They fix security holes hackers exploit.

• Turn on automatic updates for your operating system, apps, and antivirus software.
• Update your web browser regularly for better protection against phishing and malware.

—> Find more cybersecurity resources here!

4. Watch Out for Phishing Scams

Phishing emails and texts trick you into giving away passwords or clicking dangerous links.

How to spot them:

• Check the sender’s actual email address
• Look for typos, urgency, or suspicious requests
• Hover over links before clicking sender directly through their official channels.

If you’re not sure, go directly to the company’s website instead of clicking the link.

5. Back Up Your Data – Online and Offline

If ransomware locks your files, backups can save the day.

• Use a cloud backup service like OneDrive
• Keep an external hard drive backup in a safe place
• Back up your most important files at least once a week

—> Find more cybersecurity resources here!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the most important step for online security?
Using strong, unique passwords combined with two-factor authentication offers the best protection for most people.

What’s the best free password manager?
Bitwarden is a great free option, but paid tools like 1Password offer more features and better usability.

How often should I update my passwords?
Update them immediately if you suspect a breach, and review them every 6-12 months.

✅Next Steps

Secure your accounts in under 10 minutes – Try 1Password here

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