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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is kicking off Cyber Security Awareness Month with the following online safety tips:

Always enable stronger authentication. Stronger authentication goes beyond a password to help verify that a user has authorized access. For example, multi-factor authentication can use a one-time code texted to a mobile device. For more information visit the Lock Down Your Login Campaign at
www.lockdownyourlogin.com.

Make your passwords long and strong. Use complex passwords with a combination of numbers, symbols, and letters. Use unique passwords for different accounts and change them regularly, especially if you believe they have been compromised. Check out LastPass.com.

Keep a clean machine. Update the security software, operating system, and web browser on all of your devices. Updating software will prevent attackers from taking advantage of known vulnerabilities.

When in doubt, throw it out. Links in email and online posts are used by criminals to compromise your computer. If it looks suspicious, even if you know the source, delete it, don’t click on it.

Share with care. Limit the amount of personal information you share online and use privacy settings to avoid sharing information widely.

Secure your Wi-Fi network. Your home’s wireless router is the entrance for cybercriminals to your devices. Always change the factory-set password and username.

SFS