Simple Ways to Protect Yourself Online

This post is sponsored by Allstate. All opinions are my own.

Isn’t this such a strange time? Being cut off from our daily activities like school, work, church, swimming lessons, playdates, book club, and soccer practice seems so bizarre. Yet, it’s good too. It’s hard to explain….and I’m sure many of you feel the exact same way I do. I like being busy and having places to be, but I like staying home too. We’ve been enjoying the extra family time together and I sort of love having nowhere to go and nowhere to be. But it’s also hard. We miss our friends and family. We miss our routine. And I recognize my privilege in saying all of this too.

It’s so strange for me to see my first grader in an online video meeting with his classmates. I’ve had to set alarms on my phone so that he doesn’t miss his meetings, when usually I am the one with the schedule and plans! I am so thankful for technology that allows us to still connect with others during this crazy time.

I’ve actually had way more contact with Hudson’s teacher than I ever did before this pandemic. It’s strange how we are all apart physically but can still see each other virtually.

So much of my daily life is online now more than ever before. Social media, online shopping, online banking, ordering groceries, online school, meetings, and so much more. More time at home means more time online, which can put your personal data (and even your children’s data) at risk. Anything you do online leaves a trail of your personal data, so today I’m teaming up with Allstate to share a few simple ways you can protect your digital identity, as well as share their amazing FREE identity protection.

When you are online, remember to:

-Always watch your children when they are online. I know a lot of kids have had increased screen time during this stay at home order, but monitoring what they do online (no matter how little they are) is extremely important. Pandemic or not.

-Be watchful of strange emails asking you to log into an online account. Always go directly to the website to login.

-Protect your social security number. Do not enter it online unless you know the site is safe.

-Choose secure passwords and change them periodically.

– Be smart about your use of social media. This is a huge must in our house. I try not to share details about where we are until after the fact. Also DO NOT share an online questionnaire online where you detail seemingly innocent information like the make of your first car, or where you went to high school, or the name of your first pet. These “answers” are also typically online security questions too! As a general rule, the less information about you that’s publicly available online, the safer your digital identity may be.

-Only download well established apps on your phone.

-Set your computer to automatically run security updates and checks.

-Be sure to check out Allstate’s tips for protecting your digital identity.

For the rest of 2020, Allstate is now offering free identity protection when you sign-up by the end of May. Your data is a valuable asset and Allstate can help protect it. From toddlers to seniors, everyone is vulnerable to identity theft.

Allstate offers a simple way for you to see what accounts you have online, the data you’ve shared, and what personal information might leave you exposed. They detect threats to your data and identity, are available 24/7 to recover and restore your identity if it has been stolen and reimburse you for any out of pocket expenses. All for free for the rest of the year! That is so amazing, right?!!? It’s just one of the ways that Allstate is looking out for everyone during this strange time. You can sign up for Allstate’s Identity Protection Services here.

How do you keep yourself and your family safe online? I’d love to hear how you are staying sane AND safe at home!

This post was written as part of the Allstate Influencer Program and sponsored by Allstate. All opinions are mine. As the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer, Allstate is dedicated not only to protecting what matters most–but to guiding people to live the Good Life, every day.