Be wary of public Wi-Fi networks.

Steps to take to protect your identity online

Data breaches are one of many online threats. Using secure internet connections, updating your software, avoiding scam emails, and employing better password hygiene will help you stay safer while you browse.

You can get Wi-Fi almost anywhere. But these open networks are the most vulnerable and tend to be the least secure. This includes the free Wi-Fi at restaurants, libraries, airports, and other public spaces. If you can avoid it, don’t use public Wi-Fi. Most importantly, don’t use these networks to log in to financial sites or shop online. It’s easy for anyone to see what you’re doing.

Instead, we recommend using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which lets you use public Wi-Fi more securely and keeps your online behavior private. A VPN routes your connection through a secure server that encrypts your data before you land on a web page.

Run software and app updates as soon as they're available.

Updating software on your computer or phone can seem like a pain, but it’s a crucial step to keeping devices safe. These updates fix bugs, software vulnerabilities, and security problems. Regularly updating your smartphone apps and operating systems makes your devices more secure. 

Tips for keeping all your online accounts secure:

• Use unique, strong passwords for every account
• Use a password manager to remember all your passwords for you
• Turn on two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security
• Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when using public Wi-Fi
• Update to the latest version of all software and apps

You can set your computer, browser, apps, and phone to update automatically as soon as new updates become available. Set it and forget it!