With news of hacking attempts and data breaches, protecting your information online can seem like a daunting task.
However, some simple steps can reduce your risks of being victimized online, said Hazem Said, head of University of Cincinnati's School of Information Technology and co-director of the Ohio Cyber Range Institute.
For Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, Said offered five tips for better cybersecurity.
Hazem Said, head of University of Cincinnati's School of Information Technology and co-director of the Ohio Cyber Range Institute. Photo/Lisa Ventre/UC Marketing + Brand
While simple passwords are easier to remember, they're also easier to guess or crack. Complex passwords that are longer with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters are more secure.
Passwords also shouldn't be reused across multiple accounts to limit the damage if a password would be compromised.
To remember all the complex passwords you have, a password manager can store them securely. Many phones, computers and web browsers have built-in password managers, or third-party options are available as well.
"This is a challenge for people, and with today's world, everyone needs to find a way that works for them, how their mind thinks and their lifestyle," Said said.
Even if your password is compromised, you can add a layer of security by turning on multi-factor authentication. When you have multi-factor authentication enabled, additional information is required to login, such as a security code sent to your phone or email.
Users can set their preferences to select which multi-factor authentication method works best for them and to skip the step on trusted devices.
"Our life is now digital. As we lock our homes and cars, we need to put locks on our digital life," Said said. "There are multiple ways to still make it convenient and accessible."
