Cybersecurity Q+A with Western's Information Security Officer
Exercising good cybersecurity habits is key to staying safe online. Here are some tips from Western State Bank's Security Engineer/Information Security Officer.
How do I know the website I am visiting is safe?
Some sites are safer than others. Check near the top of your browser for a green padlock. It should be next to the website address.
If you click on this padlock, it will say “Connection Secure” or “Connection is secure” in green letters. If it reads “Not Secure” where the padlock should be, proceed with caution. Don’t download or purchase things from these unsecured sites.
What web browser should I use to avoid viruses and keep my information safe online?
It’s important to use a modern browser. Modern browsers are updated almost daily, automatically, with security patches and improvements to keep you safe online. Here are some of the most popular modern browsers:
If I’m not supposed to use the same password on different websites, how can I easily keep track of all my accounts?
An easy solution is to use a password manager. These programs store all of your account information in a safe cloud location, so you don’t need to keep track of all your different usernames and passwords. If your computer fails or you get a new one, you simply log into your password manager with your master password to access your account.
Most of these programs have password generators that will create complex passwords. The more complicated your password is, the less likely someone will be able to guess it. They even fill out your information automatically if you install their browser extensions.
Here are some of the most popular password managers: