Tech experts talk about cyber security and how to keep your information safe online

Keeping your personal information safe online is not just something the average person should be aware of. Organizations, non-profits and businesses across the globe have fallen for online scams and hacks.

“A member of our program said he has gotten his identity stolen twice already,” commented Cody Bramlette, an information assurance analyst and student at Idaho State University.

It does not stop there, experts in technology fields have had run-ins with cyber scams too.

“About three months ago I got a notice that my pins have been changed. My passwords have been changed. My daily limit for withdrawals has been changed. I started getting these on my phone and I called my bank. And they go ‘well it’s not you’ and I go ‘no it is not me’,” commented Chris Sorensen, the chief information officer with the City of Pocatello.

One of the best ways to prevent from being the next cyber security victim is to be careful about what information you put online.

“You give out your data everywhere. You go to Facebook and say ‘I like donuts, cookies and the bar down the road.’ Well now they know, now someone can go on your Facebook and know you probably hang out at that bar and you just gave out that information for free,” said Bramlette.

Another way to prevent a hacker from gaining access to your computer is to make sure you avoid clicking on unfamiliar e-mail links that end up in your inbox.

“Who is sending you the e-mail? If you do not know who is sending it, probably do not click on it. If it seems fishy, it probably is,” added Bramlette.

For a full list of ways to keep your information safe online, click here.