By using strong passwords, avoiding risky links, backing up your data, and other measures, you can help keep yourself safe online. Here are our top eight suggestions for being secure online.
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​1. Avoid opening unsolicited Emails.
You don't even need to download files from a phishing email with malware attached for it to harm your home network. Malware can be installed on your hard drive without your knowledge or consent during drive-by downloads.

Even the most tech-savvy among us can fall victim to drive-by downloads, which can occasionally pass for routine system updates or other innocent "yes / no" questions. It's a good idea to avoid opening any emails from addresses you don't recognize because of this.

What is Phishing?
 
​Cybercriminals aren't your ordinary thugs. They are smart, sophisticated and clever. They are after your personal and financial information, and Phishing is the primary tool in their toolbox. Whether by email (Phishing, Spearphishing and Whaling), phone (social engineering), SMS (Smishing), they present themselves as a legitimate enterprise to gain your trust and your information. These can range from widespread, generic mass emailing to individualized, highly specific and direct email.