3 New Year's resolutions that will help keep your information safe in 2016

As the new near is here, people have made resolutions that will help them lead a better life in 2016.  

According to The Nielsen Company, some of the most popular from last year include: Keeping healthy, losing weight, saving more and getting more organised. These resolutions are a great way to transform your life and help you overcome certain challenges that could be negatively impacting it.1

However, with cybersecurity such a major issue in today's digital world, it is surprising more people have not focused their New Year's resolutions on keeping their personal information safe. 

Nevertheless, to facilitate better cybersecurity, here are four resolutions you could follow in 2016:

Resolution one: I will update my security software

Any digital device that is connected to the internet is at risk. Be it a PC, Mac or smart phone, security software can help protect your internet-connected device from spyware, viruses and other forms of malware. 

With the interconnectedness of modern devices, it is important to install security software that not only protects your core device but also regulates the pathways between them. According to PC Magazine, cross-platform security suites, such as McAfee All Access, can protect your devices without the added hassle of multiple products and installations.2

In most cases, a new computer will have security software already installed. However, as malicious software is constantly being developed and deployed, it is important to keep your security platform up to date.

With so many different security software retailers, it is important to know the capabilities and limitations of each. To discover which one best fits your needs, you will need to research the products currently on the market.

Resolution 2: I will implement social networking security user rules 

Social networking has transformed the way we interact, befriend and do business with people - it has even changed the way we build romantic relationships. No matter the social networking site you are on, they all have similar features that allow you to communicate and connect with other users. 

However, because these networking sites rely on communication they actively urge users to deposit personal information. Unfortunately, people are more inclined to share their specifics than they would be if they were meeting someone in person. 

The majority of social networkers have little interest in accessing your secure information, however, because the internet provides a certain level of anonymity these types of sites do attract malicious people. Publishing too much information about yourself can allow them a way of taking advantage of you. 

The over-publication of personal information can give fraudsters the opportunity to target you in a social engineering or phishing attack. Using their social skills - through email, messenger or some other platform - fraudsters can elicit money, bank accounts or damaging information. 

To avoid being impacted by these attacks, it is important to set up some social media ground rules, such as:

• Learn and utilise the privacy and security settings on the sites you are using
• Only share information that you would be happy a stranger viewing
• Govern your online friends and remove any that make you wary

Importantly, if you have a family, it is important to educate them on the dangers of social media - especially if you have teenage children. 

Resolution 3: I will develop safer security behaviour

Do you have a screen lock on your phone? Are all your passwords the same? If yes, you could do with better security hygiene. In other words, the habits you have may be leaving you at risk to cyber threats. 

Working on your security behaviour includes both the physical safety of your devices and limiting the chance someone could access them remotely. 

For instance, if you have finished using your computer or plan to step away for a certain length of time, lock it or turn it off. Not only are you saving energy but you are also protecting your stored information from theft, destruction or corruption. 

Furthermore, devices such as phones should be protected at all times. This means passwords and screen locks as well as knowing its physical location. Keep your phone close to you to reduce the chance of it being stolen or lost. 

Resolution 4: I will stay informed of trending phishing attacks

Staying up to date when it comes to phishing attacks is a sure way of protecting your personal information. One way you can stay abreast of new cyberattacks is by knowing the difference between spear phishing and whaling attacks. The former refers to cyberattacks that target specific individuals organisations or companies. It usually involves cybercriminals   

Safeguarding your information safe is not a one-time thing, it involves a proactive and ongoing approach. Luckily, there are organisations that can monitor your information and notify you immediately if it does fall into the wrong hands. 

If you would like to find out more about this service, contact Identity Watch today.

1 THIS YEAR'S TOP NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION? FITNESS!! The Nielsen Company. Accessed: 13/01/2016

2 How to Buy Security Software. PC Mag. Accessed: 13/01/2016