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Staying Safe Online

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I have seen a few “staying safe online” guides lately. I wrote one of my own a while back after some of my friends were threatened online and got worried. This guide should be a good starting point for most common casual internet users. It’s important to remember that no matter what you do if it’s online, it can be hacked.

  • Never reuse passwords
    • Some websites are easier to hack than others
    • Hackers will try the same password on other websites
    • Use LastPass for easier management
  • Don’t use simple passwords
    • Hackers guess passwords all the time
    • There are easy automatic tools that enumerate all password options
    • Don’t use your name, birthday, SSN, or any public information in passwords
  • Keep your computer & phone up-to-date
    • Old software has known and easily exploitable vulnerabilities
  • Never click links in emails
    • Clicking the wrong link can give control of your accounts to hackers
    • Manually browse to the website even if the email looks legit
  • Always logout on public computers
    • Preferably never login on public computers in the first place
    • Data can be linger even after logging out
    • Some public computers record your passwords
  • If it was put online, it will stay online
  • Any private information shared can help hacking
    • Your name and birth year can be enough to guess your SSN

Securing Facebook

  • Click the little lock icon on top and follow instructions
    • Set everything to private
    • Hide your birth year
  • Click the little triangle on the top right and choose Settings
    • Enable login alerts to be notified of hacks
    • Enable login approvals
    • Enable trusted contacts in case your account is hacked

Securing Google Account