Older email providers that haven't incorporated modern security protections may increase your likelihood of getting malware. Make sure your email provider has strong spam blocking and features like multi-factor authentication.

Got questions? Submit a ticket at [PB8324.3] Data Security Support. 

Don't post confidential information such as your home address, phone number, and credit card number. Even if someone collects just a few pieces of your personal information, it can make it easier for them to impersonate you and gain access to your accounts without your consent, potentially resulting in data theft.

Got questions? Submit a ticket at [PB8324.3] Data Security Support. 

In the event that you do encounter malware or a virus, make sure that you do not lose access to the documents you need. Back up your important files using a cloud service or a physical hard drive.

Got questions? Submit a ticket at [PB8324.3] Data Security Support. 

If you lose your device, you don't want to add insult to injury by leaving yourself vulnerable to someone stealing your information. Provide an initial layer of security by locking your phone with a password or a PIN number - preferably one that's longer than four numbers.

Got questions? Submit a ticket at [PB8324.3] Data Security Support. 

Enable multifactor authentication wherever possible, especially for your most sensitive data -- like email, social media, or cloud storage accounts. Multifactor authentication adds extra security to your passphrase. So even if somebody knows your passphrase, they need something else to log in as you. Often this is a security code that’s sent to your phone, which means to log in somebody needs your passphrase AND your phone. Most email or social networking sites offer this security feature. When they do, you should use it.

Got questions? Submit a ticket at [PB8324.3] Data Security Support. 

According to an anonymous hacker who claims to have compromised the Twitter account of a right-wing political commentator, the attack was carried out using a SIM-swapping technique.

The attack typically involves hackers tricking a cellular provider into switching a victim's phone number to a SIM card controlled by the hackers rather than the one in the victim's phone. The hacker, using the alias "Doomed," claims that the phone was compromised with the assistance of an "insider."

The attack consisted of vile tweets aimed at tarnishing the reputations of A-list celebrities. "The intent was to make funny tweets, as the commentator likes to 'trigger' people," said Doomed, who declined to provide his real name. "We caused no financial harm, threatened anyone, [nor] ruined anything." It was merely, he says, "a few silly words on social media."

Doomed, much to the frustration of online critics, says he has no plans to continue mocking the commentator...

As you may have heard, for real protection, it’s much more valuable to use LONGER passwords than short but complex passwords. If it seems like a huge burden to remember all your new, longer passwords, that's because it is. But there are tools called password managers that can keep track of all these long, complex, and different passwords. Password managers are even more secure than using the password keepers built into your web browsers.

Got questions? Submit a ticket at [PB8324.3] Data Security Support. 

Nothing you do online is safe unless you use strong passwords that can actually protect your information. Most people use the same password everywhere, and their password is often easy to guess. You’d be amazed at how many people use passwords like "ABC123" or "12345". Using a password like this is basically asking to be hacked. You may be advised to include special characters like exclamation marks or hyphens in passwords to make them stronger.

In addition to creating strong passwords, unfortunately, you must also use a different password for each website you use. If a hacker gains access to one of your passwords, you don’t want them to be able to get into ALL your accounts.

Got questions? Submit a ticket at [PB8324.3] Data Security Support. 

Every computer that is connected to the internet is frequently being attacked by hackers who test to see if the computer is prone to any known vulnerabilities. The only way to be safe is to always have the latest security updates installed. If you see a software update notification, act promptly. Better yet, learn how to turn on automatic updates.

Got questions? Submit a ticket at [PB8324.3] Data Security Support.