AQ'S Corner

Gone are the days of going to the electric, water, phone, and gas company with an envelope full of cash to pay your bills. Dragging your 80’s kids with you on Saturday mornings. When all we wanted to do was watch Saturday morning cartoons and get the prize out of the cereal box. The good news is you can pay all your bills online now. However, this digital convenience makes you susceptible to cyber crimes so it’s important to understand the basics of Cybersecurity.

Here are some general beginner tips:

1. Passwords: Create strong and unique passwords by combining letters, numbers, and special characters. Special characters are symbols, accent marks, and punctuation marks. Avoid using easily guessable information like your birthdate or grandkids’ name. It’s also a good idea to use different passwords for different accounts to prevent a single breach from compromising all your accounts. Change your password every 90 days. If you don’t want to do it for all your accounts, do it for your most important accounts such as your bill payment portals, email accounts, etc.

2. Updates: Keep your devices and software up to date. Updates often include important security patches that fix vulnerabilities hackers could exploit. Set your devices to update automatically whenever possible to ensure you’re always protected. 

3. Phishing: Beware of phishing emails and messages. These are deceptive attempts to trick you into revealing sensitive information like passwords or financial details. Be cautious of unexpected emails asking for personal information or urging you to click on suspicious links. If in doubt, contact the company directly using trusted contact information rather than clicking on links in the email.

4. Public Wi-Fi: Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in restaurants and airports. These networks are often unsecured, making it easier for hackers to intercept your data. Learn how to use the mobile hotspot on your cell phone. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts or conducting financial transactions when connected to public Wi-Fi. Even if you use your personal mobile hotspot, wait until you are in a private setting to conduct financial transactions.

5. Privacy Settings: Take advantage of privacy settings on social media platforms and other online services. Limit the amount of personal information you share publicly, as this information could be used by hackers for identity theft or other malicious purposes.

6. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to provide two forms of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, and your password when logging into an account. 

7. Backup Your Data: Regularly back up your important files and data. This ensures that even if your device is compromised, you won’t lose valuable information. Consider using cloud storage services or external hard drives for backups. There are many options for this, so you can reach out to your internet service provider, or phone service provider, or ask trusted family and friends.

8. Trust Your Instincts: If something seems too good to be true or feels suspicious, trust your instincts. Scammers often use tactics like urgency or offers that are too good to be true to trick people into giving away personal information or money. Seniors are the most susceptible to these scams, so you must be vigilant.

So while your worry may no longer be pulling out large sums of cash to pay bills, you want to ensure no one else pulls your cash out to pay their bills.