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Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

Make Cybersecurity a Year-Round Priority

By

AARP

En español

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month — a timely reminder of how much of our lives happen online and the risks that come with it. Any device that stores information or connects to the internet could become a target for cybercriminals seeking to steal from you.

In past alerts, we’ve shared tips to stay safe, like creating strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and turning on automatic updates. Now we’re highlighting three more steps you can take to help protect your personal information.

Use a VPN for Public Wi-Fi

A virtual private network (VPN) secures your internet connection by encrypting your data, making it unreadable to anyone who tries to access it.
VPNs also mask your online identity, providing added protection when connected to public Wi-Fi.
Some well-known VPN options include ExpressVPN, NordVPN and ProtonVPN, or you can find VPNs bundled in cybersecurity suites like McAfee and Norton.

Change the Password on Your Wi-Fi Router

Your home router is the hub that connects all your devices — from TVs and thermostats to video doorbells, smart speakers, and appliances — to the internet.
Most routers come with default passwords that are easy to hack and can leave your home network vulnerable.
Think of your router password as the master key to your digital life. Updating it with a strong, unique password helps keep bad actors out.

Secure Your Social Media Accounts

Criminals leverage social media to gather personal information that they can use to deceive you into believing something that isn’t true. It’s likely where most information is gleaned for the grandparent scam, for example.
Review your privacy settings and limit who can see your posts and which apps have access to your account.
Be mindful of what you share. For example, posting vacation photos while you’re away signals that your home is empty.

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