Tools and Resources

[MUSIC] 0:00 In this section we'll cover essential security tools and 0:05 strategies you can use to protect yourself online. 0:08 Before diving into the specific security tools, 0:11 it's important to first understand your personal security needs. 0:13 That's why we've created a security plan worksheet to help you assess your risks, 0:17 set your goals, and review your accounts and devices. 0:21 This worksheet will guide you step by step through building a security plan that is 0:24 tailored to your needs. 0:29 Download the worksheet and complete it to get a clear sense of where your 0:31 vulnerabilities lie and what actions you need to take to protect yourself. 0:35 Now that you've built your security plan and identified your risks, it's important 0:39 to explore the tools that will help you achieve your privacy and security goals. 0:43 These tools are critical for protecting your data, 0:47 safeguarding your accounts, and keeping your online activities safe. 0:51 Password Managers, a password manager is one of the most effective tools for 0:56 managing and securing your online accounts. 1:00 If you've listed using stronger passwords as a goal in your security plan worksheet, 1:03 a password manager will be your go to tool. 1:09 It stores and generates strong, unique passwords for 1:11 every account, minimizing the risk of using weak passwords or reused passwords. 1:15 Here's how it works, Password managers like 1Password, LastPass, or 1:20 NordVPN use encryption to store your password securely. 1:24 They only require you to remember one master password, and they handle the rest. 1:28 People worry that storing all their passwords under one place can be risky. 1:34 However, password managers use advanced encryption, meaning even if they were 1:38 hacked, your passwords wouldn't be exposed without your master password. 1:42 If you're not comfortable with this, 1:46 consider using Cyber Collective's Password Journal as an offline analog alternative. 1:48 You can keep your passwords organized in a secure physical format. 1:53 Learn more about Cyber Collective's password journal below. 1:58 VPNs virtual private networks if your security plan worksheet showed 2:01 that you frequently use public wifi, a VPN should be a priority. 2:05 A VPN encrypts your Internet traffic and hides your IP address, 2:09 making it harder for hackers to intercept your data when you're browsing online. 2:13 This is especially useful when assessing sensitive accounts or working remotely. 2:18 Here's how it works, VPNs route your Internet traffic through an encrypted 2:23 tunnel, protecting your browsing data from prying eyes. 2:28 It's crucial for staying safe on public networks. 2:31 Here's your best consider using a trusted VPN service like NordVPN, 2:34 ExpressVPN, or CyberGhost to ensure strong encryption and ease of use. 2:39 Multifactor authentication if one of your security goals is to add an extra layer of 2:45 protection to your accounts, 2:49 then enabling multifactor authentication should be high on your list. 2:51 Multi Factor Authentication provides a second step of verification in addition to 2:55 your password, making it significantly harder for hackers to access your account. 3:00 Here's how it works after entering your password, 3:04 Multi Factor Authentication requires another form of authentication, 3:07 like a code sent to your phone or a fingerprint scan. 3:12 Even if someone steals your password, 3:15 they can't access your account without the second layer of security. 3:17 Here's where to implement it, Multi Factor Authentication can be enabled 3:20 on most accounts, including emails, banking, and social media. 3:24 Make sure you enable Multi Factor Authentication on all accounts listed on 3:28 your security plan worksheet using resources responsibly. 3:33 With the right tools in place, it's important to use them the right way. 3:37 Protecting your privacy and security isn't just about having the right software it's 3:41 about making responsible choices online. 3:46 Check permissions, review the permissions of apps on your devices. 3:48 Limit access to sensitive features like location services or 3:52 contacts when they're not necessary. 3:56 Vet your apps when downloading new apps, only choose from those with reputable 3:58 developers and check the reviews for potential security issues. 4:03 Use encryption, for sensitive communications use encrypted services like 4:07 ProtonMail or Signal to protect your data from being intercepted. 4:12 Building a Personal Action Plan now that you've explored the essential tools, 4:16 it's time to revisit your security plan worksheet and 4:21 turn it into an actionable plan. 4:24 This means implementing the tools we've identified, regularly, 4:26 updating your passwords, and reviewing your accounts for any suspicious activity. 4:29 By following through on your plan, you'll have the tools and 4:34 structure in place to protect yourself and stay secure online. 4:37

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