Things that enable Scammers:
Reusing passwords – Where is the weakest link?
. Using easily identified words/phrases – pet’s names, children’s names, birthdates, anniversaries and such.
. Playing Facebook “copy and paste” – “get to know me” games
. Other breaches of security questions and password leaks.
•Not using available security (2FA)
Things that Protect you
•2FA or MFA – Two Factor or Multifactor Authentication
•Authenticator App
•Password App
•Use a VPN for private transactions on public networks
•Set alerts for critical financial institutions Use non-Standard security answers
2FA or MFA – a Second or Third level of Authentication
•Setup 2FA or MFA on all financial accounts such as:
•Banking
•Social Security/Medicare
•Investment accounts & Insurance
•Mortgage
•Software
•QuickBooks/Quicken accounts that are web based
Once enabled you will get texted codes when these conditions apply:
. Password changes are requested (huge!)
. Invalid password attempts are tried
. You sign in on an unknown device (different PC)
. You sign in from a new location
A Password Manager is an Application that you install on your computer, your tablet and your phone.
. Set one strong password for everything (opens your password vault)
. Create new stronger 15 character passwords for your sites.
. Sits in the Browser and once you log in, logs you into everything you recorded in your vault.
We use Keeper which also has a biometric feature for the phone so just a fingerprint opens it and fills your passwords.
Don’t log into financial accounts on public Wi-Fi in airports or hotels. If you travel frequently and need this, get a VPN, Virtual Private Network, that adds the security you need for these types of transactions in public.
If you just want to check the menu, that’s great.
I recommend a tablet with no other personal information for travel. No email, no Facebook, no banking, just browsing safely.
VPN services: Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, Torguard VPN, NordVPN, IPVanish, ExpressVPN (reportedly easy APP)