Stay updated.

Installing updates when they are available helps protect you against bugs and other problems. Next time your phone, computer, app or program offers an update, select ‘yes’ instead of ‘no’ or ‘remind me later.’

Use strong passwords.

Weak passwords make you susceptible to hackers and identity theft. Keep your data safe by creating unique passwords with letters, numbers and symbols. An easy way to create strong yet memorable passwords is to select a phrase that is important to you and replace letters with numbers or symbols. For example, 2BorNot2B_ThatIsThe? (To be or not to be, that is the question – from Shakespeare.)

Be careful with unexpected messages.

If you receive an urgent email or phone call from an unknown contact asking for help or personal information, pause and think through it. Never disclose personal information such as account numbers or your Social Security number, and be cautious of scammers posing as the IRS or a bank.