Most connected appliances, toys and devices are supported by a mobile application. Your mobile device could be filled with suspicious apps running in the background, or using default permissions you never realized you approved - gathering your personal information without your knowledge, while also putting your identity and privacy at risk. Check your app permissions and delete what you don't need or no longer use.

Think before posting about yourself and others online. Consider what a post reveals, who might see it and how it might affect you or others. Consider creating an alternate persona that you use for online profiles to limit how much of your own personal information you share.

If you receive an enticing offer via email or text, don't be so quick to click on the link. Instead, go directly to the company's website to verify it is legitimate. If you're unsure who an email is from - even if the details appear accurate - or if the email looks "phishy," do not respond and do not click on any links or open any attachments found in that email as they may be infected with malware.

Links in email, tweets, texts, posts, social media messages and online advertising are the easiest way for cyber criminals to get your sensitive information. Be wary of clicking on links or downloading anything that comes from a stranger or that you were not expecting. When available, use the "junk" or "block" option to no longer receive messages from a particular sender. Don't trust those links.

Create long and unique passphrases for all accounts and use multifactor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. MFA will fortify your online accounts by enabling the strongest authentication tools available, such as biometrics or a unique one-time code sent to your phone or mobile device. Use password managers to generate and remember different, complex passwords for each of your accounts.

Public wireless networks and hotspots are not secure, which means that anyone could potentially see what you are doing on your laptop or smartphone while you are connected to them. Limit what you do on public WiFi, and avoid logging in to key accounts like email and bank accounts. Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) or a personal/mobile hotspot if you need a more secure connection.

Keep all software on internet connected devices - including personal computers, smartphones and tablets - current to reduce risk of infection from ransomware and malware. Configure your devices to automatically update or to notify you when an update is available.

Every time you sign up for a new account, download a new app or get a new device, immediately configure the privacy and security settings to your comfort level for information sharing. Regularly check these settings (at least once a year) to make sure they are still configured to your comfort.

• National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) Resource Library
• Cyber Lessons | CISA

• Keep your Kids, Family and Home Safe from Cyber Harm
• FBI Cyber Safety for Young Americans
• Discover your Cyber Talent, Advance your Skills and Win Scholarships
• Explore coding in a fun and friendly environment, Grades 3-5 and 6-12
• Learn About Cyber Career Pathways

• Learn How to Protect your Data
• Mozilla "Privacy Not Included", A Guide to Shop for Safe, Secure Connected Products
• International Association of Privacy Professionals

• Learn About Regulations that Protect Your Privacy
• NIST Small Business Cybersecurity Corner