We’ve all seen the emails and news stories and heard the horror stories from friends and co-workers, but are you doing enough to protect yourself online?

• If you have a smartphone, it IS a computer and should be protected like one.  All users of smartphones should have unique passwords (not 1234), regularly run an anti-virus program, and enable anti-theft precautions.  Visit the AppStore,  Google Play or Windows Apps (depending on your platform) for options.
• Keep your operating system updated.
• NEVER share your passwords.  No legitimate company will ever ask for your password by email or phone.
• Don’t open email attachments you were not expecting or from unknown sources.
• Don’t click on advertisements in web pages.  If you are interested in something mentioned in an ad, go directly to the company website.
• If you are prompted to update a program, be sure the update is legitimate.  Go to the vendor website or open the program on your computer to do the update.
• Review statements for credit cards and any accounts you manage online and alert the provider of any anomalies.

For more information, visit tech.msu.edu/secureIT 0r October’s tech blog article Our Shared Responsibility.