3 tips to keep your online identity safe

In light of the recent Playstation security breach, a lot of people are growing more concerned over the privacy of their online identities. If your information gets into the wrong hands, the consequences can be damaging. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to ensure that your online identity is secure.

Use an encrypted connection

Using an encrypted connection is an extremely simple way to attain greater online security. Many websites, including most social networking sites, have recently adopted more secure connections, although you sometimes need to change the settings to get the extra level of security.

You may figure out whether or not you have encrypted access simply by checking the URL. If the URL begins with “https” instead of “http” you have an encrypted connection. Unfortunately, some sites do not offer encrypted access so this is not always a possibility.

Use strong passwords

Strong passwords are unbelievably easy to create and can make a tremendous difference in online security. Using a combination of numbers, symbols, spaces and upper- and lowercase letters can help to create a strong password. If you can’t see yourself using a lot of different characters, at least be sure to use a password that can’t easily be guessed.

Also, utilizing a unique password for each site is critical. If you use the same password for multiple sites and one of those sites is hacked, you could be opening up all of your other accounts to hackers as well.

Look out for phishing

Phishing is an extremely common practice because it so often works to help hackers obtain sensitive information. It is basically when a hacker poses as a reliable business, such as a bank, to try to get your passwords, account numbers or usernames.

The recent breach of Epsilon was a prime example. Thousands of names and email addresses were exposed and the companies affected immediately sent out emails telling their clients not to trust any emails that claimed to be from them. Some browsers, but not all, will alert you if a website looks fraudulent, but you still need to be smart to avoid the scams.

All of these tips are unbelievably easy to follow and can make a huge difference when it comes to online security. Now, if it’s ATM security you’re looking for, Synergistics Premier Banking is the way to go. Go to www.synergisticsbanking.com and check out some of the products.