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Jennifer
Hernandez
Senior Loan Officer
The Hernandez Team
NMLS#
5144972500
CityWest Blvd., Suite 1075
Houston, TX 77042
Office:
713-579-3600
Mobile: 713-446-7791
my
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Know these 3 free Wi-Fi safeguards
– PLUS 14 ways to keep your mobile device secure
With Wi-Fi enabled smartphones, tablets and laptops everywhere, free
Wi-Fi hotspots seem to be everywhere too. Free Wi-Fi saves you from drawing on
your mobile data plan limit, but there are security risks. Hackers on the same
free hotspot can make all traffic flow through their computers. They can access
websites you visit, your unencrypted passwords and more. They can gather
information to use for identity theft and fraud, with severe consequences.
1. Don't use free Wi-Fi unless you absolutely have
to. Use your mobile network's data service and pay for higher
digital limits if need be. Spending a few more dollars per month for your data
plan is cheap insurance for the money you could lose from fraud or identity
theft.
2. Use a secure VPN service. A VPN, or
Virtual Private Network, encrypts information going from your computer to the
Internet, so hackers can't access it. You can surf the Web securely and your
personal info is safe. Just double-check that your VPN service is
reputable.
3. Don't use free Wi-Fi for anything
important. If you want to use free Wi-Fi for some harmless surfing
while sipping a latte, fine. Just don't do any online banking, don't use a
credit card and don't go to any site that asks for a password. Yes, that
includes social media!
14 PRECAUTIONS FOR MOBILE DEVICES
Now that we know how to use free public Wi-Fi, let's lock out the bad guys
from your mobile devices, which contain all sorts of private, sensitive
information, including photos. This data can be hacked into remotely or accessed
directly if someone steals an unprotected device.
1. Customize your mobile device. If someone grabs
your device, make sure they can't get your information. Use a custom lock screen
and ambiguous application icons and names, not "Finances" and "Party Pics."
Delete default apps you don't use.
2. Disable your
GPS. Keep your location hidden until you need it for a navigation
app.
3. Don't download unofficial versions of popular
apps. These sites are not secure.
4. Be careful
with Google Maps. If you use it, disable or don't enter your home
address.
5. Don't stay online indefinitely. If
you're not using the Internet, get offline.
6.
Read app permissions carefully when downloading and
consider whether the app really needs permission to do what it is
asking. When in doubt, don’t download.
7. Don't
save passwords in your browser. This is convenient but not secure.
Use a password manager.
8. Put a passcode on your mobile
device. Customize the lock screen if you have an Android. Use a
longer passcode, not a PIN, on an iPhone.
9. Vet your
apps. Check that they don't have personal info you don't want to
share. Read text next to the checkboxes you click when you install apps. Audit
your apps monthly.
10. Never save a password for financial
apps. This includes apps for banks and anywhere you make a
purchase.
11. Use cloud encryption for personal
information. Android allows this for all device
data.
12. Update operating system and app software.
These often include security upgrades
.
13. Use anti-theft
software. These help you locate a lost or stolen device and wipe
it remotely.
14. Back up your entire device’s
data.
When it comes time to upgrade, downsize or buy your first home, we hope
you'll contact us. We can help with the financing and answer questions about
refinancing your current home or funding home improvements. Please call or email
us any time.... Have a great day!
P.S.: Mortgage rates are still at historically attractive levels. When
buying or refinancing, it's smart to start the process early. Please call or
email us to explore the appealing options available
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