Dust off your cybersecurity toolkit

With an increased amount of time being spent online, it’s more important than ever to get up to speed on the cybersecurity routines that will keep you and your family secure. So let’s freshen up on some best practices that should be top of mind throughout every step of your day-to-day digital life.

BE ALERT TO PHISHING SCAMS

Protect yourself from email phishing scams by asking yourself some important questions before interacting with a new email, such as: Was I expecting this email? Do I know the sender? Is there a sense of urgency for my attention? Are there links and attachments in the email? Never click or open an email until you can verify that it is legitimate.

STAY ON TOP OF SOFTWARE UPDATES

Stop hitting that snooze button when your computer prompts you to update your software. Many times software is updated to protect against security flaws. So, if you don’t update, your device may remain vulnerable. Update your browsers, extensions, computer OS, mobile apps – do a full check to make sure you’re up-to-date and protected.

CLEAR YOUR CACHE

You probably will accumulate a lot of cookies and other tracking in your browser as time goes on. It’s a good idea to periodically clear your browser cache for “all time,” giving yourself a fresh start. And if you’re concerned about adware, consider an extension like AdBlock Plus to help cut down on your exposure.

CLEAN UP YOUR VAULT

You may be surprised how many sites and passwords you’ve accumulated in your LastPass account. Take a stroll through your vault, and start shutting down accounts that you just don’t use anymore – for example, one-time registrations or sign-ups for one-off purchases. The fewer credentials you have, the fewer credentials you need to protect.

POLISH UP ON PASSWORD SECURITY

As a LastPass user, you’re probably familiar with the power of the Security Challenge. But it’s important to take it regularly to see where your weak or reused passwords are, especially as your passwords age. Once you can see your weaknesses, LastPass can help you generate new passwords that are unique and secure.