47%
Nearly half, 47%, of adults in America have had personal information exposed due to a cyber incident.
6.9 Billion
In 2021, estimated total losses arising from cyber complaints in the U.S. exceeded $6.9 billion.
847,376
A record number of 847,376 cyber complaints were filed by Americans in 2021.
Protect Yourself Using Cybersecurity Best Practices
1. Choose Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are critical to protecting data. They are long, random and unique and include all four character types (uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols). Password managers can be powerful tool to help you create such passwords for each of your accounts. Plus, they make storing passwords and user IDs easy.
2. Use Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
People need more than a password to protect their online accounts, and enabling MFA makes you significantly less likely to get hacked. Enable MFA on all online accounts that offer it, especially email, social media and financial accounts, and use authentication apps or hardware tokens for added security.
3. Recognize and Report Phishing
Phishing emails, texts and calls are the number one way data gets compromised. Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts or calls asking for personal information. You should not share sensitive information or credentials over the phone or email unless necessary and avoid clicking on links or opening attachments sent from unknown sources. It’s also important to verify the authenticity of requests by contacting the individual or organization through a trusted channel.
4. Keep Software Up-to-date
Ensuring your software is up to date is the best way to make sure you have the latest security patches and updates on your devices. Regularly check manually for updates if automatic updates are not available and keep operating systems, antivirus software, web browsers and applications up to date.
For additional cybersecurity guidance and solutions, connect with a UNICO Advisor today.
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal or insurance advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for guidance tailored to your specific situation.
