How do I secure my online accounts?

How do I start keeping my online accounts safe?

Use a strong password:

• Make it long and hard to guess.
• You can use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

Helpful tip:

• A password manager can help you remember your passwords.

How do I make a strong password?

What is two-factor authentication and why should I use it?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a way to make your online accounts safer.

It means you need to do two things to log in. This helps keep your info safe.

1. First, you enter your password.

2. Then, you need to do another step. This could be typing in a code sent to your phone.

You should use 2FA to protect your accounts from hackers.

If you find this confusing or need help, you can:

• Ask someone you trust to explain it.
• Use videos that show you how it works.
• Check if your favorite websites have guides or help centers.

Is it a good idea to use a password manager?

Passwords are like keys for your online accounts. Sometimes they can be hard to remember.

A password manager is like a special key holder. It keeps all your passwords safe in one place. You only need to remember one master password to open it.

Using a password manager can make things easier and safer. You don't have to write passwords down or try to remember them all.

Some people like to use password managers to help keep their accounts safe and easy to access.

If you find it hard to remember passwords, a password manager might be helpful for you.

Ask someone you trust to help you set up a password manager if you need help.

When should I change my passwords?

It's a good idea to pick a new password every few months. This helps keep your accounts safe.

Here are some tips to help you:

• Write down your new passwords in a safe place.
• Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols in your passwords.
• Don't use the same password for different accounts.
• If you have trouble remembering passwords, ask an adult to help or use a password manager tool.

What to Do If You Think Someone Broke Into Your Account

If you think someone got into your account without asking:

1. Change your password to a new, strong one.
2. Check for any strange activity or messages.
3. Tell the company that runs your account.
4. Use a security check tool if they have one.

You can ask a trusted adult for help if you need it.

Is it ok to save passwords in my browser?

A browser is what you use to look at websites, like Google Chrome or Safari.

When you save a password on your browser, it remembers it for you. This can make it easier to log in to websites.

But, saving passwords in your browser might not be very safe. If someone else uses your device, they could see them.

Here are some tips to keep your passwords safe:

• Use a password manager app. It can remember all your passwords and keep them safe.
• Make sure your device has a password or PIN lock.
• Don't share your device with people you don't trust.

How can I spot fake emails or messages?

Phishing is when bad people try to trick you online. They want to steal your information like passwords or money. Here are some ways to spot phishing:

• Check the email address: Make sure it's from someone you know. If it looks strange, be careful.
• Look for spelling mistakes: Bad people might make spelling mistakes. Real companies don't usually do this.
• Don't click on links: If a message asks you to click a link, be careful. It could be a trick.
• Ask for help: If you're not sure, ask someone you trust for help.

Use tools to help you, like antivirus software or email filters, to keep you safe online.

Is it okay to tell anyone my passwords?

Passwords are like secrets.

It is not safe to tell other people your passwords.

Keep your passwords private. This keeps your information safe.

You can use a password manager. This is a tool that remembers passwords for you.

What is a security question and how do I make one?

A security question helps protect your account. It's a question only you know the answer to.

Here is how to make a good security question:

• Choose a question that is easy for you but hard for others.
• Think of questions about your past, like "What was your first pet's name?"
• Make sure you remember the answer.

If you need help, ask someone you trust. You can also use tools that read out loud to help you understand.

Why should I update my software?

Updating software is important. It helps:

• Fix problems
• Keep your computer safe
• Make things work better

To help you remember to update, you can:

• Set reminders
• Use automatic updates

How can I make my security answers harder to guess?

Here are some easy tips to make your security answers stronger:

• Use a mix of words and numbers. For example, instead of just using "Blue" for a favorite color, use "Blu3Ski3s".
• Pick answers that are not easy to guess. Instead of using your pet's real name, use a nickname or your favorite cartoon character.
• Add some fun symbols. You can use "@" instead of "a" or "!" instead of "i".
• Make up answers. You don’t have to use real information. Just remember what you chose!
• Write down your answers in a safe place like a notebook or use a password manager app to remember them.

By using these tips, your answers will be harder to guess!

How does encryption help keep my data safe?

Encryption is like a secret code. It changes your data into a special format that only some people can read.

Think of it like a locked box. Only someone with the right key can open it and see what's inside.

Using encryption means your data is safer because it's hard for others to read without the key.

There are helpful tools, like password managers, to create strong keys and keep them safe.

Are public Wi-Fi networks safe for my online accounts?

When you use public Wi-Fi, like at a café or library, your online accounts could be at risk. This is because these networks are open and anyone could join them.

Here are some tips to stay safe:

• Use a strong password for your accounts.
• Check for a lock symbol in the browser to make sure the website is secure.
• Avoid logging into sensitive accounts when using public Wi-Fi.
• Consider using a VPN app to protect your connection. A VPN makes it harder for others to see what you are doing online.

What is a VPN and should I use one?

A VPN is like a secret tunnel for your internet. It keeps your online activity private and safe.

Should you use one? If you want to keep your information secret when using the internet, a VPN is a good idea.

Helpful tools: Try using apps that make using a VPN easy, like those with clear instructions and buttons.

Does logging out keep my information safe?

Yes, logging out helps keep your information safe. When you're done using a website or an app, you should log out. This stops others from seeing your information.

Logging out is like closing a door. It keeps your accounts safe.

Remember:

• Log out after using shared computers.
• Log out if someone else uses your phone or tablet.

Supportive tools:

• Use reminders to help you remember to log out.
• Try apps that help keep your accounts safe.

Can I use the same password for different accounts?

No, it is not safe to do this.

Every account should have its own password to keep it safe.

Here are some tips:

• Use different passwords for each account.
• Make passwords strong by using letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Write your passwords down or use a password manager to remember them.

What to Do if a Website You Use Gets Hacked

If a website you use gets hacked, you can do a few things to stay safe. Here’s how:

• Change Your Password: Make a new password. Use a mix of letters and numbers.
• Watch Your Accounts: Look at your bank and other accounts often. Make sure nothing is wrong.
• Use Two-Step Login: This means using your phone and password. It helps keep your account safe.
• Get Help if Needed: Ask a friend or family member if you need help.

Why is it important to keep my personal information private?

Keeping your personal information secret can help keep your online accounts safe. This means things like your name, address, or password should not be shared with others.

When this information is private, it is harder for bad people to get into your accounts. They won’t know how to pretend to be you.

If you need help keeping your information safe, you can use tools like password managers. They help you remember strong passwords.

It’s also good to ask someone you trust if you are unsure about your information and how to protect it.

How can I keep my email account safe?

Here are some simple steps to help keep your email account safe:

1. Use a strong password: Make sure your password is hard to guess. You can use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
2. Don't share your password: Keep your password a secret. Do not tell anyone.
3. Enable two-factor authentication: Use an extra step when logging in, like a text message code.
4. Be careful with links and attachments: Only click links or open files from people you know.
5. Log out when using shared computers: If you're on a computer that others use, always log out when you are done.

Consider asking an adult for help if you find any of these steps tricky. You can also use online tools that remind you to update your password regularly.