Author: Kayla Matthews

These days, technology is more than just something you use to pass the time. It’s become a necessity for most of our lives.

From the moment we wake to the moment we close our eyes at night, we are constantly interacting and engaging with technology.

The problem is that we are now creating endless troves of data, which can be used to attack or harm us later.

While we may feel that our personal information, banking numbers, and home addresses are safe behind our usernames and passwords, you might be surprised to learn that more people have access to your data than you think.

You internet service provider, for one, has access to tons of your personal information by the very nature of their job. And, unless you have zero social networking sites, there’s a good chance Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (to name a few) can access some of your personal information as well.

So, how can you keep your computer secure when your life is tied to so many connected services each day? These three go-to rules will help you be proactive about your online security.

Rule No. 1: Keep Everything Up-to-Date

According to AVG, more than half of all systems are running out-of-date software. For every out-of-date app or piece of software, the risk of attack doubles.

Security patches, bug fixes, and software updates are necessary for keeping a system running optimally, but it’s not just about performance. It’s also vital for security.

Windows, for instance, receives regular updates from the official dev team to fix vulnerabilities in the system.

WannaCry, one of the largest attacks ever, was possible because so many infected systems had not been kept up to date.

Rule No. 2: Pay Attention to Email Addresses, Attachment Names, and Contacts

A common tactic for hackers is sending infected files via email. They can even come from a trusted contact. When you download the document, it installs malicious code.

Luckily, this is an easy thing to catch. Always vet contacts, emails, and attachments before opening them.

Gmail and many other email providers include integrated security processes to double check files and content for you. Don’t ignore these systems.

If an email landed in your spam folder or was flagged for any reason, even it came from a trusted contact, be wary.

The same is true when following outbound links. Phishing is a strategy in which attackers create a portal that is cloned or mirrored like a real site. You can usually identify them through the URL, which is not related to the official site URL.

Never follow links via your email if you can help it. Browse to a website directly to log in, especially for banking sites and personal accounts.

Rule No. 3: Use Encryption

Most systems and devices allow you to enable a form of encryption, which scrambles information and data. It cannot be decrypted or viewed without the appropriate authentication, known as an encryption key.

It’s also possible to open an encrypted connection — via SSL — for most sites when dealing with sensitive information.

You can check this by looking at the URL in your browser. If it starts with HTTPS, instead of just HTTP, and shows a green lock icon or something similar, the site is secure.

Nearly all professional sites have an encrypted variant that protects incoming and outgoing transmissions.

Refurbished gadgets can seem appealing when you look at their price tag. At a lower price than their brand-new counterparts, these devices typically have been donated or returned by a previous owner.

With e-waste making up more than 70% of the toxic waste found in landfills, opting for refurbished tech can keep some of that waste on the market and out of the ground. But, as the saying goes, no good deed goes unpunished, and there are certainly some risks that come with seeking out refurbished tech.

Ideally, refurbished gadgets will work just as well, though that can be difficult to determine just by looking. The item could be heavily damaged on its interior or was never refurbished properly.

Even beyond the risk of the gadget not working properly, it can be a stolen item, which can cause future legal hassles. So it’s prudent to look for potential warning signs when buying a refurbished gadget, to help separate the scams from the legitimate deals.

1. Verify the Seller’s Reputation

When looking for refurbished gadget warning signs, consider the person selling you the item. Gauge the seller’s reputation by asking for details on the gadget, specifically on the refurbishment process. If they are vague about the specific item or their dealings in general, you should be wary. A reputable dealer should have information on the refurbishment process as well as the previous owner.

Additionally, be wary of sellers who do not allow you to use the gadget for at least a few minutes prior to purchasing it. They may be concerned that the gadget will start malfunctioning due to a defect.

2. Be Wary of Odd Meeting Places

If a seller is asking to make the transaction in an alleyway or requesting iTunes gift cards or some other unconventional form of payment, it’s not worth pursuing.

Odd meeting places or payment requests can signal a seller with a questionable item, one for which they do not want to be held legally responsible. For something as universally known as gadgets, there’s no need to be discreet.

3. Avoid Western Union Requests

Western Union payment requests, in particular, are a favorite payment source for Chinese scammers.

If a seller only accepts Western Union instead of typical payment options, it’s likely he is a scammer. Western Union reminds consumers not to use their service for selling purposes.

4. See How Patient the Seller Is

It’s important to analyze the seller’s reaction if you mention you will need to think over the purchase.

If they’re aggressive or overly pushy, it can show an urge to get rid of a potentially stolen item or one that’s unlikely to sell quickly.

5. Do Not Use an Unsecured Site

Many websites also sell refurbished gadgets. In most cases, the safest method to purchase a refurbished gadget is to use the manufacturer’s site directly. For example, Lenovo and Dell have a section for refurbished products in their online stores.

Large, trusted companies have secure websites. You can tell by looking for HTTPS rather than HTTP at the beginning of their URL when you visit the site. If you’re purchasing refurbished tech from a non-manufacturer and their site simply begins with HTTP, you can be at risk of having your personal information stolen, including your credit card information.

Any trusted seller will be operating a secure website, especially in the tech sphere. Legitimate sellers in the tech niche will be very aware of security in this regard, as well as the other red flags for refurbished gadget scams.

Image by Negative Space