5 common cybersecurity mistakes you could be making online

Cybersecurity threats are nothing new, but how are we making a conscious effort to minimize the danger? With the increased use of social media and online shopping, we are at a greater risk of having our information compromised. Although we often hear about other people getting their identities stolen, that's other people — not us, right?

But just to be safe, below are five ways to protect yourself online.

1. Password and username safety

Using the same password across multiple apps and websites is simple and convenient, but it’s not the best way to protect yourself. For instance, if all your friends have your Netflix password, and that also happens to be your banking password, then you’re at an increased risk to have your accounts compromised. We understand that changing your password is annoying; however, there are password management apps out there that can help you remember your various logins.

It’s important to always use a secure password. A secure password consists of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid real words or phrases, and never use personal information such as names, birthdays, or addresses, for example. Having a lengthy password of at least 16 characters and using multi-factor authentication can also deter cybercriminals.

Usernames should also be changed regularly, especially if any of your previous usernames have been involved in a breach. It is recommended to use a different username for each website or account. Note: Your online and mobile banking username shouldn’t be used for any other accounts.

2. Oversharing on social media

Fraudsters usually need at least two pieces of your personal information to steal your identity. If your birthday is listed on Facebook, along with your street address (from the FB party invites you sent out), then you are at risk. Always be mindful of what you’re posting, and who you’re accepting as a friend. If getting those happy birthday comments mean a lot to you, then change your birthday to mm/dd, leaving off the year to thwart identity thieves.

3. Shopping on untrustworthy sites

That amazing $15 deal for those must-have designer shoes on a site you’ve never heard of … is probably too good to be true. Before putting your financial information into a new site, check for the padlock icon in the address bar. That icon lets you know the site is safe and secure. Some browsers will also highlight the address bar of trustworthy sites in green. Untrustworthy sites will be highlighted in red.

Pro tip: Look to sites like the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Reports for reviews on specific websites’ customer service and business practices.

4. Using unsecure public Wi-Fi

Try not to shop online when you're using public Wi-Fi networks. You never know if your information is being tracked and logged on a public network — so it's best to wait until you get home. Or use your smartphone’s data network, which is safer than free Wi-Fi.

5. Installing 3rd party or unverified apps

New apps can be exciting and fun, but before you input your financial information, check to see if the app has been around for a few years and has high ratings and good reviews from users. Never be the first to download a new shopping app on your mobile device since fraudsters have been known to use fake shopping apps to harvest their victims’ information.

Also, if you’re interacting with brands on social media, make sure they’re “verified” by the little blue checkmark next to their profile (which means the company is legit).

What to remember

Cybersecurity is an important topic that affects us all. Although we assume a security breach won’t happen to us, identity theft is a real issue. Take a moment to change your password or utilize a VPN if you have one available. Taking a few simple steps to secure your online activity can be the difference between a virtual headache and happiness.

More information

You can never be too careful when protecting your bank accounts online. To learn more, visit our cybersecurity center for more tips on how to stay safe online.