Help secure your devices, your personal information, and your family against online threats with easy-to-use Internet security tips. Print a copy for easy reference.
The risks are real, but the solution is clear
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Don’t be fooled by social engineering
Social engineering is the art of manipulating people to performing actions or divulging confidential information. Before you let anybody in on sensitive details about you, make sure that you can verify their credibility.
Be extra careful while clicking links and attachments in emails
Phishing is a method used by Internet scammers who imitate real companies or individuals in email messages to entice people to share user names, passwords, account information or credit card numbers. Be wary before clicking on attachments and links because, even though the sending party might look legitimate, there is a possibility that they might not be.
Strong passwords for accounts and devices
When creating a password, use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. The longer your passwords are, the harder they are to crack. Never use the same password for multiple accounts, especially for sensitive sites like social media, email or banking websites. Learn more.
Using multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a best practice to help further protect yourself against hacks and social engineering. MFA works by requiring you to login with more than one set of credentials to authenticate your identity. Turn on MFA when a website or app offers it, especially for sensitive sites like social media, email or banking websites. Xfinity offers two-step verification to help protect online access to My Account, Xfinity web pages, and most apps. Learn more and enroll today!
Learn about security and privacy settings with social media
Learn about security and privacy settings. Be careful when sharing personal information and never share sensitive or confidential information on social media. Never share your full birthdate, current address or location when you’ll be away from home for a long period of time.
Handling sensitive files in emails
While it’s important to have strong passwo rds on your devices and email accounts, you should take extra precaution to safeguard sensitive files you store or transfer. Sensitive information includes W2 forms, credit card numbers, bank account info, driver’s license numbers, social security numbers, insurance numbers, etc. Encrypt these types of files before sending to another person.
Keep apps and operating systems updated
Keep your devices’ operating system and apps updated to the latest version to ensure the latest security patches are installed. Take extra care to make sure Adobe Flash, Java and other utilities stay updated to prevent cyber attacks. If your device offers auto-update for apps, turn this feature on.
Securing payment info and personal information when shopping
When shopping online, submit payment information on websites with a URL that starts with https:// The "s" stands for secure. If you’re shopping on a mobile device, only submit payment information on trusted, well-known apps. Use caution when saving payment information in your web browser or mobile wallet.
Talk with your family about protecting your online presence and cyberbullying
For families that share devices or regularly interact online together, it’s important to have a conversation about internet safety. Review the tips above and have an open discussion with your family about protecting your online presence and educating them about the pitfalls of cyberbullying.
Trusted Security Partners
Comcast partners with trusted national organizations who provide digital media awareness for children, education on how it affects them, and articles on how to promote safe online habits.
www.commonsensemedia.org
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www.staysafeonline.org
www.controlwithcable.org
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¹ Ratings and Performance: AV-TEST, "Best Protection 2017 Award," March 2018, AV-TEST, "Product Review and Certification Report," September-October 2017, PassMark Software, "Consumer Security Products Performance Benchmarks (Edition 1)," November 2017
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