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
- Websites like web.archive.org allow you to view deleted pages/pictures
- 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
- Enable 2 factor authentication
- Prevents password guessing and phishing
- http://goo.gl/1b9xrm
- Check Google+ privacy
- Can be enabled automatically without your knowledge
- http://goo.gl/su4jjs
