The vast majority of people use tech devices every day. Whether you’re logging in at work, checking your email on the go or ordering your grocery shopping online, we spend a significant proportion of our time online.
Although the increase in technology has made our lives far simpler in many ways, it has opened up new safety concerns. Whilst you wouldn’t dream of going to bed and leaving your front door open, you could be leaving gaps in your online security which will allow hackers to stroll right in and access your accounts.
Fortunately, protecting your tech doesn’t have to be difficult. With a range of easy-to-use security software to choose from, you can easily find the right packages to increase your online security. In addition to this, there are a few simple and straightforward online behaviors you can modify to help you enhance your tech security…
Stay up-to-date
When developers and manufacturers become aware of potential security issues, they update their software in order to counteract them. How often do are you prompted to update the software on your tech devices? More importantly, how frequently do you click, ‘Not now’ or ‘Remind me later’?
By postponing updates, you’re effectively leaving your tech devices and software with limited security. Almost every piece of software you use will require updating from time-to-time, so don’t ignore the prompts to do so. When you’re instructed to update Adobe flash player for Mac, for example, do so straight away. To maximize your security, stay up-to-date, and ensure you benefit from updates issued by manufacturers and developers.
Add passcodes
Laptops, smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets are offering enhanced security features, but are you using them? Whether you opt for fingerprint IDs, face recognition, or a passcode, make sure you add a barrier to anyone trying to access your devices. What’s more – don’t use the same passcode for every device! If your tablet and smartphone fall into the wrong hands, for example, using different passcodes will increase your overall tech security and should prevent them from being able to access any data stored on your device.
Vary your passwords
Almost every transaction you make online will require a password, so it’s tempting to use the same one for everything. Whilst remembering a myriad of passwords can be tricky, using the same password for everything is akin to not using a password at all. If a hacker is able to access just one of your social media accounts or email logins, for example, they’ll try using the same password on a range of apps, devices, and websites. If you’d used different passwords for everything, however, you’re limiting the damage they can cause, and protecting your online information too.
Only use protected Wi-Fi
If you’re using Wi-Fi at home, it should be password protected to prevent anyone else from accessing your network. When you’re out and about, however, don’t be tempted to use any public Wi-Fi or hotspots. Instead, look for protected Wi-Fi Protected Access. This will give you access to a more secure network, and enable you to access the internet with increased security.
Protect your tech and you, your files and your devices will always be safe!
These are great tips, I need to use pass codes. I also stopped using the same passwords. I thought I would end up forgetting them if they were too many but ended up figuring out an easier way.
I’m not best at protecting my computer. I love your tips and I do hope they will help me in the future. I’ll share this list with my friends for sure! Thanks! 🙂
I try to keep my devices protected and have many different passwords. Now if you find my master list of passwords that I write down that is a different story.
Yup, I try to do all of these. We change our passwords often. You just never know.
These are all great tips. I recently had to change all my passwords because I got hacked and it was such a pain in the butt.
Yes these are all great tips. I need to get better about changing my passwords.
What an awesome article! Love all these helpful tips. I should start changing my passwords and use different ones across my devices! ~ Ola @ WanderWithOla
I totally agree with your tips. It’s so easy to hack accounts now and I make sure I change password every 6 months.
This is such an important post! Yes we are in tech quite a bit. Important to stay protected and in the know
these are great tips, we always try everything we can to protect the tech, afterall your life is on there
Thank you so much for the reminder. Protecting or tech is protecting ourselves. Best and thank you for sharing.
I try to protect my gadgets. They are expensive, needed in my work, and of course, I want to get the best value for my money. Then I spilled a few drops of coffee on my laptop…and it was gone. 🙁