When it comes to your family’s safety and protecting them from intruders, you should also guard your home network from criminals; cyber criminals that is. Like most people, you likely have some type of tech gadget that connects to your Internet. From mobile devices to self-programming lamps to voice-activated TVs to home security camera systems and on and on, we’re all connected in some way or another.

There are billions using the internet, and many web browsers offer the option to store usernames and passwords to gain access to applicable websites so credentials will automatically be entered. But, while this feature is convenient, it is not always secure.

It happens all too often. You get an expected call from a computer technician (it may start with someone pretending to be with Microsoft, Google, Apple, Norton or McAfee), see a tech support ad surfing the Internet or you get a pop-up message out-of-the-blue that tells you to call tech support. Any of these three forms of contact could be scammers trying to convince you that your computer is infected with a virus, malware or spyware. If you take the bait, they will ask to connect to your computer in order to give them access to take care of the issue.

You are not alone if you feel Windows 7 has been Microsoft’s best operating system to date. There are many people still using it vs Windows 10, although Windows 10 was first debuted in 2015. Regardless of the reason you have decided to stick with Windows 7, there are steps you should take to ensure it keeps working after its end of life (EOL).

Ransomware is defined as vicious malware that locks users out of their devices or blocks access to files until a sum of money or ransom is paid. Ransomware attacks cause downtime, data loss, possible intellectual property theft, and in certain industries an attack is considered a data breach,” as defined by KnowBe4.

In today’s times, everywhere you turn, there’s another data breach announced. If it’s not you, it is someone you know, a mega-company or institute, or worse yet, somewhere you have an account, albeit your bank, healthcare provider, social media sites, etc. If you have information stored anywhere, you are at risk of being breached. Keeping your passwords, data, financial and other personal information from cyber criminals should absolutely be a part of your life nowadays.

Have fun on your trip, but keep your guard up. If it’s booking travel online, using public Wi-Fi or making purchases at your destination, cyber criminals lie in wait. Don’t let identity theft get in the way of a good time.

The growing trend in cyber attacks is now targeted at small to medium sized businesses (SMB). In fact, close to 70% of SMBs experience cyber attacks. As a result, it is imperative your SMB business has the right cyber liability insurance in place for your particular industry.

If you are not careful, your online identity could be stolen. It can lead to an epic and excruciating experience affecting various accounts, such as your financial, healthcare, e-commerce, social media, data and much more. The loss can include usernames, passwords, credit cards, Social Security numbers, etc.

First, you may ask what is public Wi-Fi? It is free Internet access and available in popular places you probably frequent often, such as malls, coffee shops, hotels, restaurants, etc. While it may seem harmless to log on to their free Wi-Fi to check your bank account, read emails, look at Facebook, Instagram or other social media or even catch up on the news, STOP and think twice before you do it again.