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Don't Get Burned Online This Summer

Summer is finally here.  This often means BBQs, family time outdoors, and for many of our hard-working staff, a much deserved vacation.  While you relax into summer, it’s important that you keep your guard up when it comes to online safety. To follow are a few cyber safety tips so you don’t get burned online this summer.

Make sure your laptop or tablet has up-to-date antivirus and anti-spyware software installed.  Hopefully you won’t have to, but if you need to use a laptop or tablet to do some work when you are away from the office, make sure you download the most up-to-date antivirus and anti-spyware software.

1. Keep your devices in a secure place and make sure they are password protected. Unfortunately, many popular holiday destinations attract criminals who prey on vacationers who are a little more lax when it comes to security.  If you have to bring a phone or laptop with you on vacation, make sure they are always stored in a safe place and they are password protected (with a strong password).

2. Avoid typing sensitive information on your laptop using an unsecured wireless connection. If possible, save your financial transactions or sensitive work information from a secured home connection. Passwords, credit card numbers, financial or private information are less secure on a public network.

3. Be wary of emails from unknown senders that promise…well, anything.
Likewise, watch out for suspicious content from addresses that are known to you, but might have been compromised. The odds that your sister, who you just spoke to last week, is now stranded in Marrakesh or Istanbul are slim.

4. Finally don’t broadcast vacation plans on your social networking site. It’s always tempting to post images from vacations on social media, but potential criminals could be seeing your posts as well. If you have kids who go online, make sure they know this, too.

Enjoy the summer and don’t forget the sunscreen.