This is a guest post by Andrew Wooten, a nationally recognized speaker on real estate safety.
We all do it, everyday. We do it without thinking, without worry. We put ourselves in harm’s way. No, not physically, virtually. How many e-mails did you open today not knowing whom they were really from? How many websites did you visit today without checking their authenticity? How many bills did you pay without verifying the websites were secure?
These are all things we’ve come to take for granted. We just assume someone out in the Internet world is doing all that for us. With over 6,000 identity theft cases per year in the United States, we can no longer assume anything. Here are some simple, easy to follow tips on how to help protect yourself and your personal information in our every changing technology driven world.
E-mails
- Do not open e-mails from sources you do not recognize.
- Do not open attachments unless necessary.
- Check e-mail addresses. It may say it’s from a friend’s name but is it the e-mail address they normally send e-mail through?
Websites
- Do not use websites from vendors you do not know or cannot verify. If you haven’t heard of the company, check the Better Business Bureau and do a Google search on them.
- When purchasing anything on a website, be sure the URL has https and that it has a lock somewhere on the site. When you click on the lock it should open up to a dialog box showing security information.
- Do not transmit personal information over free Wi-Fi sites.
In addition to the tips above, be sure to load anti-virus software on your desktop and laptops and update it frequently. Also, never leave your laptop unattended if you are in a public place, like the airport or a restaurant. Today’s technology can be used safely if we implement safeguards. Use technology to run your life. Don’t let technology run your life.
For more information, you can request Andrew’s new program, “Cyber Security and Social Media Safety.” Contact us today for details.
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