ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) offers cybersecurity tips to Floridians on how to keep their data secure.
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Whether you shop or bank online, play games, use social media, or work from a smartphone or computer, following best data privacy practices will help keep your information secure.
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“In today’s interconnected world, from the vehicles we operate to the devices we use in our residences and the attire we adorn ourselves with, it is imperative that we exercise caution when sharing content with programs and applications we employ daily. This becomes particularly pertinent in a digitally connected era, where safeguarding our privacy and the privacy of those with whom we are connected is of paramount importance,”
— Mike Duffey - FDLE’s Cyber and Technology Bureau Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC)
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These best practices include:
Have a strong password and protect it:
Create a password that is at least 15 characters long and includes a combination of letters, numbers, and punctuation. Keep your passwords private; never share them with others.
Use antivirus software and keep it updated:
Set up your antivirus software to monitor your system in “real-time” and keep it updated to protect your devices from the latest malicious software.
Turn your firewall on:
Firewalls protect your computer from hackers and other unwanted traffic. Current operating systems (for Mac and PC) come with a firewall already installed; keep it turned on.
Apply your software security patches and updates:
Carefully review and install software patches as soon as they become available, especially for your operating system. This reduces the time you are vulnerable to an attack.
Carefully review your privacy settings on all social networking sites:
If you aren’t careful on sites like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), you can accidentally share information with everyone, not just your friends. Check the settings frequently to ensure your information stays protected.
Research any file before you download it:
Malware and spyware often hide within downloads, especially free ones. Before you download anything, verify that the source is legitimate. Also, scan email attachments with your antivirus program before you open them.
Beware of websites and emails that ask for personal information:
Identity thieves are creative in finding ways to get your personal information. Before you fill out any form on a website or respond to any email, make sure you know where that information is going. If necessary, make a phone call to double-check.
Watch out for frauds and scams:
Fraudsters and scam artists have become very sophisticated. Watch out for deals that are too good to be true, especially on auction sites or online classified ads. Do some research on any person or company before you do business with them. And never wire money to a stranger.
Secure your home wireless network:
Keep broadband thieves and hackers out of your wireless network at home. Create a good strong network password and share it only with people you trust.
Secure your mobile devices with the same degree of protection you give your computer:
Smartphones, tablets, and laptops contain personal and confidential information. Be sure to protect them with passwords and consider full-disk encryption for your laptop.
Visit FDLE’s Secure Florida website for more information and tips to keep yourself, your family and your business safe at SecureFlorida.org.
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