How Secure Is Your Online Information?

Between banking, social media, and online shopping, odds are that you’ve given dozens of different websites your personal and financial information over the years. But the scary truth is that hackers always seem to be one step ahead of the curve, with advanced techniques that can compromise the data of even the most cautious users. Are you really doing all that you can to keep your online information secure? Take our quiz to find out just how safe you are.

1 of 8

How do you choose your online passwords?

I either use a pet’s name, my favorite sports team, or some other personal word for my password.

I’m pretty forgetful, so something like “password1234” usually does the trick.

I use a combination of acronyms and passphrases, with a mixture of capital and lowercase letters along with numbers and special characters.

2 of 8

Do you ever use the same password for multiple accounts?

All of my accounts use the same password.

A few of my accounts have the same information, but not all of them.

I never use the same password twice.

3 of 8

Do you take advantage of two-step authentication?

All the time! One extra step goes a long way.

On a few important accounts, but it’s way too much of a hassle for all of them.

Two-step what?

4 of 8

Do you remember how many accounts have your banking information on file?

I know most of the important ones, but there are definitely a few I’ve forgotten over the years.

I have so many accounts that I’ve completely lost track.

I keep a digital record on my computer, and a hard copy in my home, of every site that has my information on file.

5 of 8

Do you ever do your banking on a public computer or while using public WiFi?

Almost exclusively.

Yes, but I always make sure to change my account password next time I get a chance.

Never.

6 of 8

You get an email from an online store saying your account has been compromised and to click a link in order to change your password. What do you do?

If it’s from a company I trust, I’m sure it’s fine.

I never respond to an email like that before contacting the company to see if it is a legitimate message.

I check for obvious signs of a scam, like poor grammar and spelling errors. If the message looks fine, I click on the provided links.

7 of 8

How up-to-date is your virus scanner?

I renew the license every year, download all available updates, and scan my computer weekly.

I am careful about what I click, so I won’t get viruses.

I usually use the free trials to scan occasionally, but I don’t have one on all the time.

8 of 8

How many people know your WiFi password?

Only me and the occasional close friend who asks for it. I also change the password routinely.

A few neighbors. Maybe they gave it to some of their friends; I’m not sure.

The whole neighborhood uses my router.

YOUR RESULTS

6-8 Correct: Congratulations! You’re vigilant about your online security and go the extra mile to make sure your information is safe. Don’t get complacent, though. The internet is constantly changing, and new hacking tools come along all the time that can make your old security precautions obsolete. So keep up with the news and never fall behind the trends.

3-5 Correct: You’re on your way to security, but there are still holes in your internet habits. Remember to make sure that you have strong passwords that you change three or four times a year, and disable old accounts you are no longer using. Hackers only need access to one account, no matter if you’re still using it, to get ahold of your more important information. This is the perfect time to tighten up those loose ends.

0-2 Correct: A few easy changes can make your online information more secure! Be aware of which sites have a record of your personal information, always make sure you’re using a secure internet connection and computer, and put an emphasis on building stronger passwords with two-step authentication. Hackers make a living on weak security, and once you take these relatively simple steps, you will be much better prepared for these potential hazards.