Archives - Security Best Practice


Delete any non-critical app you haven’t used for 6 months or more

It’s common to have tons of apps on your devices, many of which you might not have opened in months or even years. Unless they contain vital information or functionality, it’s usually advisable to delete them. Not only will you free up space, you’ll save yourself any trouble that might stem from their use of […]

Don’t believe everything you read online

Be skeptical – people may post false or misleading information about various topics, including their own identities on social networking websites. This is not necessarily done with malicious intent; it could be unintentional, an exaggeration, or a joke. Take appropriate precautions, though, and try to verify the authenticity of any information before taking any action.

Don’t put all of your critical information in one location

If you have a lot of photos, videos, documents and apps that you would never want to lose track of, it’s a bad idea to keep them all on one local system, like a PC or phone that hasn’t been backed up. Try to maintain multiple copies across different locations, using cloud backup solutions and/or […]

Consider upgrading your device if it’s no longer getting updates

Many smartphones, tablets and laptops are eventually abandoned by their manufacturers, at least when it comes to regular security and OS updates. If this happens to a device you rely on, consider switching it out for a newer or alternative version or one that is still receiving these critical patches and upgrades.

Avoid using debit cards for online purchases

Credit cards usually offer some protection against identity theft and may limit the monetary amount you will be responsible for paying. Debit cards, however, do not offer that protection. Because the charges are immediately deducted from your account, an attacker who obtains your account information may empty your bank account before you even realize it.

Double-check for HTTPS when you’re on a shared network

It’s just one letter, but there’s a big difference between HTTP and HTTPS in a URL. HTTPS encrypts all page and form data on the site in question, making it essential when using sensitive applications like online banking or e-commerce. If you’re using Wi-Fi in a cafe, hotel or school, checking for HTTPS is critical […]