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 1Password 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