{"id":67501,"date":"2020-09-03T23:43:37","date_gmt":"2020-09-04T06:43:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/securingtomorrow.mcafee.com\/?p=67501"},"modified":"2025-04-01T18:41:44","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T01:41:44","slug":"clean-sloppy-digital-habits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/privacy-identity-protection\/clean-sloppy-digital-habits\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Clean Your Digital Habits"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve been fortunate over the years \u2014 no lost phone, no credit card fraud, no computer viruses. Still, deep down, you fear your sloppy digital habits will eventually catch up with you. So, instead of dread and denial, how about a little peace of mind? The perfect time to take a few easy steps and make your digital life your most unhackable is now. Here are seven easy ways to tighten up your digital habits:<\/p>\n

1. Two-factor authentication<\/h2>\n

This small action sounds like a big deal, but it\u2019s easy and important. Two-factor authentication<\/a> simply puts two layers of security on any personal information channels you frequent. Be it your phone, Facebook, email, or bank account, taking the extra time to implement a two-step password entry, will mean potential crooks will get frustrated and move on to someone else\u2019s information.<\/p>\n

McAfee Pro Tip:<\/i><\/b> Go into the account settings of any important account and manually opt for a two-factor authentication account entry. Once set up, the next time you log in to your account, you’ll be prompted to provide the secondary authentication, such as entering a code from your authentication app or confirming a text message code<\/i><\/p>\n

2. Steer clear of public wifi<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s convenient and fun to work from the local coffee shop. However, it only takes one nosey, unethical person at that location to access your computer through that shared public network. Snoopers can easily access your passwords, emails, and anything else on your computer. Do your sensitive work at home or in the office on a secure, password-protected network and save your non-wifi workload, such as report reading or writing (sans wifi) for the coffee shop. Avoid doing any banking or private work on public wifi, especially.<\/p>\n

McAfee Pro Tip: <\/i><\/b>Check the URL in your browser’s address bar. If it starts with “https” (rather than just “http”), it’s secure and encrypted, ensuring your data is protected during transmission. If it’s only “http,” the site isn’t secure, so avoid proceeding. If using public Wi-Fi, activate your firewall in your security settings to block incoming traffic and enhance protection against potential threats.<\/i><\/p>\n

3. Don\u2019t be lazy with passwords<\/h2>\n

According to McAfee\u2019s Digital Asset Study, the most common mistake consumers make is using the same password for all or most online accounts. If this is you, break this poor habit once and for all.<\/p>\n

Take this step: Take an hour of your day and change and document your passwords. Once you\u2019ve beefed up your passwords, you can simplify the password process by using True Key<\/a> multi-factor authentication service for free. A strong password has all of the following characteristics:<\/p>\n