Cyber-security tips for the holidays

Stay Cyber Safe While on the Go This Holiday Season

The holidays are a popular time to travel, with over 93 million Americans traveling by car, plane, train, or bus. People want to stay connected while they travel, and with the popularity of Internet-enabled mobile devices – 45% of adults own a smart phone, 35% of adults own a tablet – these gadgets are sure to be on many packing lists. As you travel, be careful about the physical and cyber safety of your devices. Keep an eye on your devices as they go through airport security and do not leave your devices unattended anywhere else. The need for cybersecurity does not end when you leave your home or office. Being cyber safe while on the go is important, so before you pack up your laptops, tablets, and cellphones, remember these tips from the Stop.Think.Connect.  Safety Tips for Mobile Devices tip sheet: Keep a Clean Machine. Treat your mobile device as you would a personal computer. Make sure you have the latest operating system, security software, and browser to help your mobile device protect against malware and viruses. Protect Your Personal Information. Password-protect or lock your devices when not in use. Review the privacy policy of an application before you download. Only give your phone number to people you trust. Disable the geotagging feature on your phone or tablet. Connect with Care. When connected to an unsecured Wi-Fi hotspot, limit the type of business you conduct and adjust the security settings on your device to limit who can access your phone. When banking or shopping, check to be sure the sites are security enabled – look for secure addresses that begin with "https://"; or "shttp://. The “s” stands for “secure.” Do not respond to calls or texts requesting personal information or immediate action. These are most likely scams to get your information. For more mobile safety tips, see the Tips for Mobile Devices tip sheet.

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