Stay Safe with Arlo: 4 easy ways to protect your data online

 

Did you know? According to a study conducted by the University of Maryland, a cyber security attack occurs every 39 seconds -- affecting one-third of Americans each year.[1] While cyber security attacks are becoming increasingly common, following a few simple steps can significantly reduce your chances of being targeted.

 

Here are easy steps to ensure your data stays secure:

 

1. Enable two-step verification.

Whenever possible, set up two-step verification to protect your accounts. Two-step verification is an industry-standard practice for data protection. It helps protect your account by adding another layer of security, so you are only able to login from trusted devices.

 

According to the FBI, cyber criminals often use unsophisticated methods like password guessing or defeating security questions in order to obtain your data, which is why it’s so important to add an extra layer of security.[2]

 

When you enable two-step verification, you’ll receive a text message or email with a unique code to verify your identity every time you sign in from a new device. This way, you reduce your chance of falling victim to a cyber security attack -- even if somebody gets hold of your password.

 

Did you know? Arlo will require all users to enable two-step verification by the end of the year. Click here to learn more about how to enable two-step verification on your Arlo account.

 

 

2. Create strong passwords.

One of the most frequent cyber security mistakes is to use the same password across multiple accounts. In fact, a recent study revealed that 73% of consumers use duplicate passwords.[3]

 

To keep your account information and personal data secure, be sure to create a unique password for each one of your accounts. Always use long, complex passwords that include numbers, symbols, and a mix of both uppercase and lowercase letters. In addition, avoid including personal information such as your name, pet’s name, birthday, or home address.

 

3. Select strict privacy settings.

According to a study commissioned by The Global Privacy Enforcement Network, typical app privacy practices can be deceiving. The study found that 75% of the 1,211 sampled apps were seeking to access user data, but only 15% provided clear, transparent privacy policies.[4]

 

In order to protect your data, check your privacy settings on the apps that are downloaded to your devices - and always opt for the least amount of data-sharing. Disabling location tracking on your smartphone is a good place to start since this is one of the most common ways that apps access user data.[5]

 

Did you know? Arlo is committed to supporting industry standards for data protection designed to keep your personal information private and in your control. We believe your data belongs to you and you alone: we support privacy legislations, provide enhanced controls for your data, and more. Learn more about our commitment to your privacy here.

 

 

4.  Secure your wireless networks.

Ensure the wi-fi at your home or business is protected with a strong password. For added security, set up your wireless access point or router so that it does not broadcast the network name, known as the Service Set Identifier (SSID).

 

It’s also important to take precautions when it comes to public wireless networks. The FBI suggests avoiding unencrypted wi-fi networks and recommends using a VPN (virtual private network) from a trustworthy provider to keep your data safe.[6]

 

Arlo takes your privacy personally. Security is part of our culture. Click here to learn more about our commitment to your privacy, and how we keep your data safe & secure.

 

Want to learn more? Visit our Arlo Community to ask questions, view discussions, and explore products and articles with our community of customers and experts.

 

Questions? Visit our Support Center to view FAQs, browse support articles, watch how-to-videos, and more.