By: Dr. Max E. Burchett, Jr., PharmD, MHA, Chief Information Officer
In a world where so much of our personal and professional lives take place online, protecting your personal information has become a priority. From health care to banking to social media, our digital activities make us vulnerable to cybercriminals looking to steal sensitive data. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to secure your information.
Here’s how you can protect yourself.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords
The first line of defense is a strong, unique password for each account. Avoid using the same password across multiple sites and aim for at least 12 characters with a mix of letters, numbers and symbols. Password managers can help by generating and securely storing these complex passwords, making it easy for you to access them without memorizing each one. - Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Adding two-factor authentication (2FA) to your accounts offers an extra layer of security. This method requires both your password and a second form of verification, like a code sent to your phone. Even if someone gains access to your password, they’ll be blocked from accessing your account without the second factor. Use 2FA on your most important accounts, such as health care, email, banking and social media. - Watch Out for Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are one of the most common ways hackers try to steal your personal information. These attacks typically involve fraudulent emails, texts, or websites that appear legitimate. Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments, especially from unknown sources. If in doubt, contact the company directly through a trusted method rather than responding to suspicious communication. - Manage Social Media Privacy Settings
Social media platforms are packed with personal information that could be misused if not properly secured. Review your privacy settings and limit who can view your profile, posts and personal details. Avoid sharing sensitive information like your phone number, home address, or financial details. Even seemingly harmless details can be used by cybercriminals to answer security questions and gain access to your accounts. - Keep Your Software & Devices Updated
One of the easiest ways to protect your information is by keeping your software, apps, and devices updated. These updates often include important security patches that fix vulnerabilities in the system. Set your devices to automatically update to ensure you’re protected from the latest threats.
Stay Safe & Connected
Staying safe online doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these simple best practices—using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, staying alert to phishing scams, managing your privacy settings, and keeping software up-to-date—you can greatly reduce your risk of cyber threats. Taking these small steps now will help protect your personal information in an increasingly connected world.