Kevin's Security Scrapbook

5 Cheap Things to Beef Up Your Security
by Rob Kleeger, Digital4nx Group

Here are a few simple things to prevent and keep most of your private information as safe as possible from hacks or negligence.

1. Invest in a Password Manager:  If you are like me, most people can’t remember the login details for the dozens of online services they use, so many people end up using the same password — or some variation of one — everywhere. If you are one of those people, this means that if just one site on which you use your password gets hacked, someone could gain access to all your accounts.
2.  Use a virtual private network (VPN) service: When connected to any internet-connected device, it helps to keep most of your browsing private from your internet service provider; it reduces some online tracking; and it secures your connections when you use public Wi-Fi.
3. Turn on MFA (2FA) on everything: Two-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security to the authentication process by making it harder for attackers to gain access to a person's devices or online accounts because knowing the victim's password alone is not enough to pass the authentication check. Two-factor authentication doesn’t guarantee security, and it is vulnerable to hacking attacks like phishing attempts that spoof a login page.
4. Backup: Have a backup plan. All too often, SMB leadership says they backup, but the backup is saved on the server, which if gets encrypted, serves no purpose...neither does attaching a NAS to the same network. Have a cloud-based or offline based backup plan. Confirm backups run regularly and periodically test those backups to do a full restore. 
5. Don't forget about the paper:  In many ways, people are so focused on cybersecurity, they forget about the basics. Use a cross-cutting paper shredder.  Wirecutter recommends the AmazonBasics 15-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder for most people, though serious privacy mavens should step up to the AmazonBasics 12-Sheet High-Security Micro-Cut Shredder, which runs a little slower but produces confetti half the size of a cross-cut shredder’s pieces.