Archives - Security Best Practice


Log out of any public computer you use

If you log in to a computer you don’t own at a library, kiosk or other public place, be very careful about what you do while using it. Be aware that your activities could be monitored and that it’s probably not prudent to conduct sensitive transactions such as online banking. Most importantly, make sure to […]

Avoid using BitTorrent clients

In the pre-Netflix era, torrenting was a popular way to pirate video files for home consumption. While it has declined since the 2000s, BitTorrent traffic is still substantial, due to the possibility of quickly downloading free content. In addition to being illegal due to copyright infringement, torrenting can also expose your device to malware and […]

Don’t click on big “Download” buttons on websites

You might have navigated to websites that feature a large, colored button labeled “Download” or something similar. Don’t click on these. Usually, they’re ads (or worse) in disguise. Legitimate vendors will not make you download their software this way. Stick to official vendor websites and app stores when purchasing software.

Replace your Yahoo Mail password with a Yahoo Account Key

If you use Yahoo Mail, a Yahoo Account Key can be a convenient and secure alternative to a traditional password. It’s a notification sent to a mobile device of your choice, which can be approved or rejected during each login. Note, however, that you should secure any such device with its own passcode or biometric […]

Tips for traveling more safely

“Going on a big #trip for two weeks! Hello #Cancun” might seem like something cool to post to your social media feeds, but in reality it opens you up to some real risks. Broadcasting the fact that you won’t be home for a specific amount of time could increase the chances of someone vandalizing your […]

Avoid most free antivirus solutions

Free antivirus software isn’t bad per se, but it is higher-risk than paid solutions because in exchange for not charging a price, it might be attempting to harvest and sell your personal data. In fact, many mobile AV solutions in particular fit into this bucket and don’t even provide any real protection. Get AV software […]