Important Online Safety Tips During the Coronavirus Outbreak

__With the outbreak of Coronavirus, many of us are adjusting to several changes. Some of those significant changes are working from home, online shopping, streaming and video chatting. Our workplaces afford a number of security features to protect our data in the office--things like firewalls, content filtering, scam detection, and much more. These safeguards do a lot to protect our personal data and important data belonging to our workplaces, customers, and clients. With the quick decision to send employees home to work, there simply wasn't time to adequately plan and implement these critical safety measures to protect this data in a home environment. Most people use the same device for both work and personal needs, which could create security risks.__What can we do to protect our information data during these uncertain times?

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Enable A Password To Access Your Computer

Ensure that nobody else can gain access to your computer without your permission. With access to your computer, someone can see each website you visited, use any online account that you didn't manually sign out of, or sign in to any account that your browser has saved the password for.

Always Lock Your Computer When You Step Away

When you step away from your computer, anyone can walk up to it and use it. This is especially important when using a laptop computer in public where you don't know everyone who might be around. Your computer offers settings to automatically lock your computer after it's idle for a certain length of time.

Keep Your Operating System and Software Up To Date

Don't put off installing updates that your operating system recommends and those associated with software installed on your computer. These contain important security updates, and from the time they release the update until you install the update, hackers have an easy road map outlining how to exploit any security holes that you haven't yet patched.

Only Use Trusted Web Browsers

There are several web browsers you can choose from. However, by sticking with those that are well-known and trusted, not only will websites operate as they should, but you're also backed by the higher level of security that the bigger-name companies can afford to employ. Check the privacy settings on your browser and make sure to use trusted apps like Guardio to protect your browsing.

Securely Store and Dispose of Sensitive Files

When there's a need to transfer confidential information between your home and office, keep the data secure. Physical documents should be kept out of sight and under lock and key. If you don't have a locking file cabinet, store the documents in a locked room. When disposing of sensitive data, don't just throw it in the trash or recycling bin. Shred it or burn it instead. Paperwork you no longer need is a huge treasure to identity thieves if it includes personal information about your customers, clients, or fellow employees.

Install Browser Protection

Browser protection is among the cutting edge of online safety technology. Products like Guardio scan each of the websites that you visit and extensions that you add to ensure that they're free of malicious code and scams. They catch things like phishing pages and keyloggers that often go unnoticed, even to the savviest individuals. When a malicious site or extension is found, these products block the offending website or extension and let you know why. They also alert you when a website that you're visiting is still too new to be trusted. Browser Protection keeps you safe by stopping threats BEFORE they reach your device, instead of afterward like traditional antivirus solutions. During times like this, scams are running rampant.

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