4 Security Tips to Protect You in 2016

4 Security Tips to Protect You in 2016

            Security is going to be a big buzz word in 2016. Specifically your online security.  2015 was a big year for online shopping, being the first time online sales trumped in-store sales on Black Friday. With the increase in online spending being aware of malicious hackers is a must. So how can we ensure we are safe? We sat down with security expert and former government security consultant Shaun Murphy, CEO and inventor of SNDR.com who gave us these four tips:

#1. Secured Payment Services. One of the best tips for anyone who shops on their smartphone is to start using services like Apple, Samsung, or Android Pay. Why? They don’t use magnetic strips like credit cards. Rather each transaction is unique. So even hackers won’t be able to repeat the transaction. Currently 1,000,000 retailers have updated their systems to allow shoppers to pay on via their phones.

#2. If they’ve got an app, use it. Mobile apps can make your life easier and more secure. Whether it’s Chipotle or Starbucks when it comes to purchases, apps are a great route because of their extra built-in security. Even more you can use Apple, Android, and Samsung Pay within the app itself to be extra precautious.

#3. Prepaid debit cards. If you’re nervous about over spending then it’s likely you’re still using a debit card. Debit cards are attractive to hackers since they’re linked directly to your bank account. So one of the best solutions is to load prepaid debit cards with specific amounts of money. It’s also one of the safest solutions when travelling. Prepaid debit cards act identical to regular debit cards but there is no risk of someone stealing your information and clearing out your account. If you have older children,  handing prepaid debits cards to them is safer than handing them one of your credit cards.

#4. Wi-Fifi & phishing. Many of us enjoy surfing the internet from a coffee shop, restaurant, hotel, or airport. However these connections are extremely susceptible to hackers. Next time you agree to the terms and conditions make sure you know your information IS at risk of theft. Whenever you are on public Wi–Fi you should not visit any of your favorite sites that require a password – especially your bank or credit card site. Wait till you are at home or on a secure connection before accessing these sites. While this is a hassle, a bigger hassle is if someone steals your passwords/identity.

One way to make sure your connection is not breached is to look for a lock icon on the left hand side of the website. Your web browser will tell you about the security connection of any given website, so make sure there’s a lock. Also make sure to double-check email links. Hackers are very good at disguising phishing emails. Next time you receive an email and it seems questionable, DON’T click on the direct link. Rather, copy and paste it into your url or hover over the link to see if it’s from the actual site it claims.
Security is a measure we should all take seriously. These are just a few tips to help protect you and your family in 2016. As security expert Shaun Murphy states  “Hackers deal on a massive scale, and they will not stop. So we all need to make sure to minimize the damage that can be done.” Happy New Year and remember to protect your information in 2016.

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