Be Ready

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine should have you reconsidering your cybersecurity. Though it’s unlikely Russia could target the US with cyberattacks, “there is a long history of Russian hackers engaging in patriotic attacks against entities not well aligned with the Russian government,” an expert CNBC. Here are some steps to take to make sure your information is secure.

Be Wary

Now is the time to refocus your attention to any suspicious online activity. Even if Russia never ends up targeting the US, scammers thrive on chaos. You can expect the number of fraudulent emails, phone calls, texts etc. to increase over the next few months. Be wary of anything that seems odd. Be sure to check in on your credit report often to catch any fraudulent activity.

Change Your Passwords

Yes, changing passwords can be a pain. And yes, it is also necessary. If you’re having trouble coming up with complicated passwords, use an app like Dashlane. It will automatically create and track extremely complex and safe passwords.

Get Private

Any emails, phone calls, texts or direct messages on social media that ask for personal information should be viewed suspiciously. Don’t give out private information like your name, Social Security number and address.

Browse Wisely

You shouldn’t use public wi-fi when browsing online. Hackers can easily target information that travels over public internet. Wait to use your own private wi-fi at home.