warrenkc · April 29, 2026 01:04
diff --git a/internet-security-tips.txt b/internet-security-tips.txt

 Internet Security Tips by Warren
 (I tried to order these in order or importance.)

 1: https://www.usa.gov/credit-freeze
 When you place a security freeze, creditors cannot access your credit report. This will keep them from approving any new credit account in your name, whether it is fraudulent or legitimate. 

 To let lenders and other companies access your credit files again to create new accounts, you will need to lift your credit freeze permanently or temporarily. 


 2. Lock your phone number with a port‑out / SIM‑swap PIN
 Contact your carrier and ask for a “port‑out lock” or “SIM‑swap PIN” on your account; this means nobody—not even someone calling as “you”—can move your number to another SIM or carrier without that PIN. This is like a credit freeze, but for your phone number.

 3. Be skeptical of links, files, and unsolicited messages
 Be careful of phishing and “too‑good‑to‑be‑true” messages. Never click links or open attachments from unexpected emails, texts, or social‑media DMs; instead, log in directly to the service’s website or app. If someone urgently asks for money or credentials, verify the request through a separate channel.

 4. Enable two‑factor authentication (2FA) where you can,enabling 2FA—especially app‑based or hardware‑based (like a security key or authenticator app)—on your email, banking, and main accounts. This stops most attacks even if someone steals your password, because they can’t approve the second step.

 5. Keep your operating system and software updated. Turn on automatic updates for your OS, browser‑based apps, and major software (especially anything that touches the internet), and reboot when updates are ready. This automatically closes many common attack paths.

 6. Watch for sudden “no service” / odd SMS behavior
 If your service suddenly drops or you start seeing strange SMS confirmations you didn’t trigger, your number may be under attack. Turn data/SMS off, contact your carrier immediately, and log in to key accounts (email, banking) from a trusted device to check for changes.

 7. In your home, try not to buy IOT devices. These are wifi devices that connect to your network. For example buying small devices for your lights, fans, refrigerators, etc that require internet access to function. They often are hacked and out of date providing hackers a way into your home network. 

 and, for your information...

 Why Freeze Credit
 A credit freeze stops creditors from viewing your credit file, making it nearly impossible for thieves to get approved for loans or cards using your info. This proactive step outperforms monitoring services since it's free and legally mandated, yet many skip it despite breaches exposing billions of records. It also shields your credit score from unauthorized inquiries.

 How to Freeze
 Contact all three major bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—separately, as freezes don't sync automatically. Do it online (fastest, effective in 1 business day), by phone, or mail; it's free everywhere since federal law changes.

 When applying for credit, temporarily thaw (e.g., set a time window) or permanently lift via the same portals—often instant online. Use a password manager for PINs/logins to avoid hassle.

	Internet Security Tips by Warren
	(I tried to order these in order or importance.)

	1: https://www.usa.gov/credit-freeze
	When you place a security freeze, creditors cannot access your credit report. This will keep them from approving any new credit account in your name, whether it is fraudulent or legitimate.

	To let lenders and other companies access your credit files again to create new accounts, you will need to lift your credit freeze permanently or temporarily.


	2. Lock your phone number with a port‑out / SIM‑swap PIN
	Contact your carrier and ask for a “port‑out lock” or “SIM‑swap PIN” on your account; this means nobody—not even someone calling as “you”—can move your number to another SIM or carrier without that PIN. This is like a credit freeze, but for your phone number.

	3. Be skeptical of links, files, and unsolicited messages
	Be careful of phishing and “too‑good‑to‑be‑true” messages. Never click links or open attachments from unexpected emails, texts, or social‑media DMs; instead, log in directly to the service’s website or app. If someone urgently asks for money or credentials, verify the request through a separate channel.

	4. Enable two‑factor authentication (2FA) where you can,enabling 2FA—especially app‑based or hardware‑based (like a security key or authenticator app)—on your email, banking, and main accounts. This stops most attacks even if someone steals your password, because they can’t approve the second step.

	5. Keep your operating system and software updated. Turn on automatic updates for your OS, browser‑based apps, and major software (especially anything that touches the internet), and reboot when updates are ready. This automatically closes many common attack paths.

	6. Watch for sudden “no service” / odd SMS behavior
	If your service suddenly drops or you start seeing strange SMS confirmations you didn’t trigger, your number may be under attack. Turn data/SMS off, contact your carrier immediately, and log in to key accounts (email, banking) from a trusted device to check for changes.

	7. In your home, try not to buy IOT devices. These are wifi devices that connect to your network. For example buying small devices for your lights, fans, refrigerators, etc that require internet access to function. They often are hacked and out of date providing hackers a way into your home network.

	and, for your information...

	Why Freeze Credit
	A credit freeze stops creditors from viewing your credit file, making it nearly impossible for thieves to get approved for loans or cards using your info. This proactive step outperforms monitoring services since it's free and legally mandated, yet many skip it despite breaches exposing billions of records. It also shields your credit score from unauthorized inquiries.

	How to Freeze
	Contact all three major bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—separately, as freezes don't sync automatically. Do it online (fastest, effective in 1 business day), by phone, or mail; it's free everywhere since federal law changes.

	When applying for credit, temporarily thaw (e.g., set a time window) or permanently lift via the same portals—often instant online. Use a password manager for PINs/logins to avoid hassle.
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