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CousinIT

(12,788 posts)
4. Use a password manger like LastPass and two-factor authentication everywhere you can
Tue Jan 3, 2017, 12:58 PM
Jan 2017

NOBODY these days should be without these two things at least.

LastPass can generate long (recommend at least 12-15 characters) random passwords and store and auto-fill them in for you when you log on. This is more secure than storing them in your browser because it's in the "cloud", and in an inaccessible place unless someone has your "master" password. (If someone steals your laptop or device and they're in your browser, they could log into your accounts if they gain access to the device). Your master password for your password manager should be changed by you yearly. If YOU forget it though, even YOU (nor the password manager vendor) can get to your data so be aware of that. ALSO turn on two-factor authentication in your password manager. That way, if a bad actor gets your "master" password they still won't have the second factor to log in.

Encrypt your devices, turn on firewalls and NEVER be without a malware and anti-virus program installed. Avast is a great free one but there are others.

Keep your devices and computers patched and updated. It's worth the time.

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