Digital Security - Personal

Quick thought today on protecting your online identity.

This topic is on my mind this morning as I just closed my longstanding @aldenglobe Twitter account, after someone with evil intent opened an account based on a version of my name. I brought this to the attention of Twitter; but, they denied it was a problem. It is a problem. I immediately closed my account… and, won’t be back.

Maybe others would like to know what I ordinarily do -- just basic, free stuff -- you can try to help you run defense in our electronic world. This is a bit beyond the “don’t click on a suspicious email” advice -- which is still good advice:

Authentication: Activate two-factor authentication on email, and every platform that supports it. (Google Account. Apple iTunes. Banking): https://www.google.com/landing/2step/

Google Alert: Setup a free Google Alert on your own name, your company’s name and anything else you may be interested in. News, customers, etc. This give you free news monitoring of any keyword you’re interested in: https://www.google.com/alerts

DuckDuckGo Search: This search tool emphasizes user privacy, and does not keep track of everything you are interested in looking up -- which means you do not get followed by advertising for everything you just searched. There’s an app for your phone, and you can default your browser to it as well: https://duckduckgo.com/

Experian Protect My ID: most Americans were victims of the recent breach of security at Experian, a credit monitoring agency. You are likely able to sign up for their free identity theft monitoring. ATT and T-Mobile customers received notices about this. And, when you do this, you should lock your credit profile with them as well (unless you are about to get a bank/auto loan): http://www.protectmyid.com/default.aspx?sc=678628

Comcast Constant Guard. Comcast Xfinity cable subscribers are eligible for free downloads of Norton internet security tools: https://constantguard.xfinity.com/

Software updates: Always keep your computer and phone operating system up to date with the latest version

Lookout is a free phone app; helps alert you to malicious apps and wireless intrusion

Stay informed. For additional, regular education on security issues of all kinds, subscribe to Bruce Schneier’s free newsletter: https://www.schneier.com/crypto-gram/subscribe-or-unsubscribe.html

AG