October is National Cyber Security Awareness month, an effort by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance that focuses on making your family and community more secure. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly two-thirds of Americans are now smartphone owners and for many, these devices are a key entry point to the online world. At the same time, 62 percent of Americans fear that their smartphone or computer will be hacked. Internet connectivity is actively a part of many consumers day-to-day, personal, and community lives. Nearly 432 million accounts were hacked in 2014 according to the Identity Theft Resource Center – revealing personal information such as names, debit or credit card numbers, emails, birthdays, phone numbers, passwords, security questions and physical addresses.
Take security precautions, understand the consequences of your actions and behaviors and enjoy the benefits of the Internet.
STOP: Before you use the Internet, take time to understand the risks and learn how to spot potential problems.
THINK: Take a moment to be certain the path ahead is clear. Watch for warning signs and consider how your actions online could impact your safety, or your family’s.
CONNECT: Enjoy the Internet with greater confidence, knowing you’ve taken the right steps to safeguard yourself and your computer.
Protect yourself and help keep the web a safer place for everyone.