Stay Secure in the Digital World

Stay safe in the digital world. Here, you’ll find resources on protecting your online identity, preventing cyber threats, and safeguarding against digital fraud. Explore tips and tools for enhancing your digital security.

​Online Safety & Best Practices Resources

• New Mexico Attorney General's Office - Consumer Protection Division:
  (505) 222-9000
  nmdoj.gov
  Offers resources on consumer protection and identity theft prevention, providing guidance on how to avoid scams and protect personal information online.
  
  
• Safer New Mexico Now:
  ​(505) 856-6143
  safernm.org
  Provides educational programs focused on safety, including digital safety.

Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Resources:
  www.identitytheft.gov/
  Offers identity theft recovery and fraud prevention guidance, along with tools for reporting identity theft and obtaining recovery plans.
  
  
• Santa Fe Police Department - Non-Emergency Dispatch:
  ​(505) 428-3710
  santafenm.gov/police/police-contacts
  Handles non-urgent police matters and reporting of certain violations, including potential cyber threats.

Cyberbullying & Online Harassment Resources

• StopBullying.gov - New Mexico Cyberbullying Laws: 
  ​stopbullying.gov/resources/laws/new-mexico​
  ​Learn about New Mexico’s laws and regulations related to cyberbullying and online harassment. This resource provides information on how state laws protect individuals from digital abuse and what actions can be taken to address cyberbullying incidents.

​Comprehensive Cybersecurity Tips for Everyday Life

Social Media Safety

• Set Profiles to Private
  Limit who can see your social media posts by setting your profiles to private. Only connect with people you know and trust.
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• Be Cautious with Personal Info
  Avoid posting sensitive information like your address, phone number, or vacation plans. Once shared online, it can easily spread.
  
  
• Avoid Oversharing Traps
  Posts asking for “fun facts” about you (e.g., first pet’s name, birth year) may seem harmless but can be used to guess passwords or security questions.
  
  
• Monitor Tagged Photos
  Regularly review tagged photos and posts to ensure they don't reveal too much about your personal life.

​Strong Passwords & Account Security

• Use Strong, Unique Passwords
  Create complex passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using the same password for multiple sites.
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• Use a Password Manager
  Password managers can securely store and generate strong passwords, reducing the risk of using weak or duplicate ones.
  
  
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
  Add an extra layer of security by using 2FA, which requires a second form of verification (like a text message code) to access your accounts.
  
  
• Change Passwords Regularly
  Update passwords every few months, especially for critical accounts like email and banking.

Phishing & Email Safety

• Beware of Phishing Scams
  Be cautious of emails or texts from unknown sources asking for personal information or containing suspicious links.
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• Verify Email Senders
  Double-check the sender’s email address for subtle misspellings that could indicate a phishing attempt.
  
  
• Don't Download Suspicious Attachments
  Never download files from emails unless you’re certain of the sender’s identity and the file’s content.
  
  
• Look for HTTPS
  When clicking on links, ensure the website uses "https://" for secure communication.

​Online Shopping Safety

• Shop Smart
  Stick to reputable websites when making online purchases. Look for trust indicators like SSL certificates (a padlock icon in the address bar).
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• Use Secure Payment Methods
  Pay by credit card or trusted payment platforms, and avoid cash or wire transfers which offer little recourse if scammed.
  
  
• Spot Scams
  Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Verify the legitimacy of sellers before making purchases.
  
  
• Check Bank Statements
  Regularly monitor your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized charges.

Smart Device Safety

• Manage “Always Listening” Features
  Many smart speakers and devices listen continuously by default. Disable these settings or mute the microphone to protect your privacy.
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• Review Device Permissions
  Check and manage app permissions on your devices to limit access to your contacts, location, and other sensitive information.
  
  
• Check Device History
  Regularly review and clear activity history on smart devices to spot any unusual behavior.
  
  
• Keep Devices Updated
  Install software updates and security patches promptly to protect against new threats.

General Online Security

• Update Software Regularly
  Keep all your devices, apps, and operating systems up-to-date to protect against security vulnerabilities.
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• Use Antivirus Software
  Install and maintain reliable antivirus software to detect and remove malware.
  
  
• Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
  Use a strong password for your home Wi-Fi and consider hiding your network’s SSID to reduce unauthorized access.
  
  
• Turn Off Bluetooth & Location Services
  Disable Bluetooth and location tracking when not in use to minimize the risk of hacking or tracking.

Protecting Your Online Presence

• Monitor Your Online Footprint
  Regularly search your name on the internet to see what information is publicly available.
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• Limit Data Sharing
  Be selective about what personal information you share on social media and other online platforms.
  
  
• Review Privacy Settings
  Regularly review and adjust privacy settings on social media platforms and apps.
  
  
• Use a VPN
  A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can encrypt your internet traffic, providing an extra layer of privacy, especially on public Wi-Fi.

Cyberbullying & Online Harassment Prevention

• Know How to Report Abuse
  Familiarize yourself with reporting mechanisms on social media platforms to address cyberbullying or harassment.
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• Block & Ignore Trolls
  If you encounter online harassment, consider blocking the user and not engaging.
  
  
• Document Incidents
  Take screenshots and save evidence of any cyberbullying or harassment for reporting purposes.
  
  
• Educate Kids & Teens
  Teach children about online safety and how to handle cyberbullying, encouraging open communication.

​Safe Downloads & App Management

• Download from Trusted Sources
  Only download apps and software from official stores like Google Play or Apple’s App Store.
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• Be Wary of Free Software
  Free downloads can sometimes come bundled with malware; ensure they are from reputable sources.
  
  
• Uninstall Unused Apps
  Regularly review and delete apps you no longer use to reduce security risks.

Backup & Data Recovery

• Regularly Backup Important Data
  Use external drives or cloud services to back up your files in case of a cyberattack or hardware failure.
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• Use Encrypted Backups
  Ensure your backups are encrypted to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.