Protecting Your Devices and Personal Information: Do’s and Don’ts

From PCs and phones to tablets and smartwatches, our lives revolve around technology. These devices store sensitive data — from personal photos to banking details — making it just as important to secure them as it is to lock your front door. By following a few smart practices, you can reduce the risk of cyber threats and keep your information safe.

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The Do’s: Steps to Strengthen Your Security

✅ Keep Your Devices Updated
Always install the latest operating system and antivirus software updates. These patches fix security vulnerabilities that hackers often target.

✅ Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Avoid reusing the same login across different accounts. Instead, create strong, unique passwords for each device. Better yet, enable biometric logins like fingerprint or facial recognition for added protection.

✅ Set Up Account Alerts
Enable notifications for unusual transactions so you can spot suspicious activity quickly.

✅ Choose Paperless Statements
Opting for online statement delivery limits the chances of sensitive financial information being intercepted through the mail.

✅ Monitor Accounts Regularly
Get in the habit of reviewing your statements. Quick detection is key to limiting damage from fraud.

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The Don’ts: Avoid These Risky Behaviors

❌ Don’t Click Suspicious Links
Phishing attempts often arrive by email or text with links that look legitimate. If it feels off, it probably is — avoid clicking.

❌ Don’t Reuse Passwords
Using the same login ID and password across multiple platforms makes you more vulnerable if one account is compromised.

❌ Don’t Share Sensitive Info Carelessly
Never give out personal or financial details unless you’re certain about the recipient’s identity and legitimacy.

❌ Don’t Ignore Your Gut
If something feels wrong about an email, message, or phone call, trust your instincts and proceed with caution.

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What Your Financial Institution Should Never Ask

A legitimate bank, credit card company, or other financial institution will not request the following information by phone, text, or email:

• Your full debit or credit card number, expiration date, PIN, or CVV

• Your online access credentials, usernames, or passwords

• Any one-time passcodes sent to you via text or email

If you ever receive a request like this, treat it as a red flag and contact your financial institution directly using a verified number from their official website.

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Strengthen Your Cybersecurity Posture

Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to trick individuals and businesses alike. Protecting your devices and accounts is just one piece of the bigger cybersecurity puzzle.

At Bit by Bit Computer Consulting, we help businesses develop a stronger security posture with managed IT services, compliance support, and proactive cyber defense strategies.

👉 If you want to make sure your company is protected, contact us today at www.bitxbit.com or call 877.860.5831 to start the conversation.