The Christmas season is well and truly upon us! Many Jamaicans are shopping online to ease a usually hectic experience. To keep you safe online, we offer these best practices to protect your sensitive information.
Secure Devices:. Install reputable security software to detect and prevent malware. Use biometric authentication on your devices and make sure your passwords are strong. Jamaican patois may be helpful.
Strong, Unique Passwords: Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Don’t use birthdays or names, and have a unique password for each account. Password managers help you create strong, unique and separate passwords for all your accounts. Avoid saving passwords in browsers and on sites you visit.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security with 2FA. This means getting a code on your phone or email to confirm your identity in addition to entering your password.
Regularly Update Software: Keep your operating system, antivirus, and other software up-to-date. Updates often include security patches that protect against the latest threats.
Secure Internet Connection: For financial transactions use only secure and encrypted Wi-Fi connections. Don’t use public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions unless through a VPN. Change your WiFi password routinely and don’t share it with anyone outside your trusted circle.
Beware of Phishing Attempts: Avoid unsolicited emails, messages, or calls asking for personal information. Verify the legitimacy of requests by contacting institutions directly using trusted contact details. Do not, repeat, do not click on links in emails from unknown sources. Report phishing to your email provider! Block senders and delete contacts from unknown suspicious sources.
Educate Yourself: Read about the latest scams and cybersecurity threats so you are aware of common tactics used by cybercriminals to trick individuals. These are on the increase in Jamaica.
Monitor Financial Statements: Review bank and credit card statements for transactions you did not make. Report suspicious activity to your financial institution.
Limit Personal Information Online: Share as little as possible of personal information on social media and other online platforms. Never use the same username and/or passwords you use on social media for accounts elsewhere.
Backup Important Data: Back up important financial and personal data to a secure location. This may save you if you lose data due to malware or other issues.
By consistently following these practices, you can significantly enhance your online financial safety.