2022 is here and it's time to organize your cybersecurity habits! Tech expert Burton Kelso is joining me to break down some key vulnerabilities we all face, while sharing actionable tips you can use right now.

How well are you protecting your data? Burton stresses the importance of regularly backing up apps and files from all your devices to always be prepared. Hackers using a ransomware attack can lock you out of your device, so you need to be able to start fresh without being tempted to pay them off!

Passwords are another key part of data protection, and it’s crucial that you use a different one for each account. If your username and password from one account is leaked on the dark web, don’t make it seamless for bad guys to gain access to more of your data! Burton’s tech insider tip: use “pass phrases'' which are 2 or 3 words put together to be more secure than a single word.

Even your phone number can be used against you these days. Burton counsels you to make a Google voice or WhatsApp number that you use for anyone you aren’t close friends with. That way if the number is compromised, you can ditch it without having to get a whole new real number.

Taking the time to protect your family from the dangers of tech addiction and online dangers is also critical. Children face real dangers from predators who use games as a way to gain their trust.

Burton shares that many parents monitor their children’s phones, but don’t realize that gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch or PS4 are also a security threat! You can download apps directly from the console manufacturer that will mitigate some of the risk, but nothing beats taking the time to sit down with your child and have a discussion about expectations and boundaries.

Check off these key areas and you’ll make 2022 the year you rock the cybersecurity game!

Takeaways from this episode:

1. Tech expert Burton Kelso and I want you to get organized and strengthen your personal cybersecurity this year!
2. He’s sharing quick and easy solutions for areas like data backup, password creation, old device disposal, and more.
3. Remember to protect kids from online dangers, including ones that may creep in through their gaming consoles.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

USE A PASSPHRASE web tool:

https://www.useapassphrase.com/

Electronic Recycling centers near you:

https://www.ecosia.org/search?q=electronic+recycling+centers+near+me&addon=chrome&addonversion=4.0.7&method=topbar

If you'd like to learn more about cybersecurity and online identity protection, you can connect with me on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-mantilia/

To protect your company against cyber crime, you can now book me for cybersecurity training:

https://bit.ly/3CtZKzD

To keep your family protected online, learn more about our Identron Identity Theft Protection software:

http://bit.ly/Identron