Your home networks might have a range of wireless devices on them — from computers and phones to IP cameras, voice assistants, smart TVs, and connected appliances. Taking some basic steps to secure your home Wi-Fi network will help protect your devices from getting hacked — and your information from getting stolen.

The upside of Wi-Fi? You can connect to the internet wirelessly. The downside? Others nearby who connect to your unprotected network might be able to see what you do online, including your personal information. And if anyone uses your network to commit a crime or send illegal spam, the activity could be traced back to you.

Protect yourself and your home Wi-fi network from scammers and fraud – Click here for the full article from the FTC.

September 13, 2022 – Protecting your Social Security number from identity theft

August 25, 2016 • By Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications. SSA.gov (Last updated August 19, 2021)
Every year, millions of Americans become victims of identity theft. Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personally identifiable information and pretends to be you. They can use this information to open bank and/or credit card accounts, file taxes, or make new purchases in your name.

It is important that you take steps to protect your Social Security number from theft. If someone obtains your Social Security number, they can use it to get other personal information about you, including your banking and/or credit report information. Someone can steal your Social Security number by:
Stealing your wallet or purse.
Raiding your mailbox which may contain paper statements.
Obtaining personal information you provide to an unsecured site on the Internet.
Rummaging through your trash.
Posing by phone or email as someone who needs information about you.

To read the full article, click here.

August 16, 2022 – Multi-Factor Authentication is a good thing

Excerpts taken from “Protect your personal information,” ftc.gov article/secure your accounts.
So, you have your passwords for your personal computer, mobile phone and tablets set up, and your antivirus software and firewall programs are up-to-date to keep them working properly. You’re feeling pretty good about protecting your personal information.
While you’re on the right track, you can do more to avoid scammers, hackers, and other bad guys who try to steal your personal information online. It’s a good idea to know how to lock down your devices, network, and information. That way, your passwords, Social Security number, or account numbers don’t go speeding along the superhighway to the scammers.

In addition to your passwords and software/firewall protection, you can add another layer of protection from the bad guys. Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) to safeguard your personal information. MFA is available with some accounts which offer extra security by requiring two or more credentials to log in to your account. These additional credentials fall into two categories:

Something you have, like a passcode you get via an authentication app, a security key, email, text, and phone.
Something you are, like a scan of your fingerprint, your retina, or your face.
MFA makes it harder for scammers to log in to your accounts if they do get your username and password. Yes, it’s one more thing to do with technology, but it’s crucial.
Be sure you use this authentication process to continue to protect your personal information and keep the bad guys away!
If you think you are a victim of fraud, contact us immediately at (603) 224-7731.  If you think someone has gotten into your accounts or has your personal information, visit IdentityTheft.gov.There, you’ll get steps to take to find out if your identity has been misused, and how to report and recover from identity theft.
For detailed information from the FTC on how to keep your personal information safe, click here.

July 15, 2022 – How to keep your passwords secure

Passwords are the locks on your account doors. You keep lots of personal information in your online accounts, including your email, bank account, and your tax returns, so you want good protections in place. Click here to review the password checklist to make sure your passwords are secure.