Cellphones, laptops and other “smart” devices make your life easier and more enjoyable. But criminals like them too, since they store a lot of your personal information. That's why it's important to secure your devices.
Passwords are still important basics
A good password is your first line of defense for keeping intruders out of your accounts. The best passwords are long and strong. As the passwords get longer, so does the mix of numbers, symbols and letters. Whenever possible, use a passphrase made up of at least 12 characters, but ideally 16 or more. Simply string together four random words to get to a longer password. The goal is to make your password harder for thieves to guess. Words like apple, radio, cart, show become Appleradi0cart_show.
When using hard to guess passphrases of 16 characters or more and two-factor authentication, also known as multi-factor or two-step authentication, frequently changing your passwords is not as critical. The same is true when you use password complexity that includes numbers and special characters.
Using a reputable password manager can help you keep track of the longer passwords and passphrases.
The next layer of basic protection
When available, use two-factor authentication (2FA) to further help protect your identity and your accounts. This extra layer of security combines a username and password (or a biometric security feature like a facial scan or fingerprint) with a second factor only you have access to. The second factor could be a one-time passcode delivered via text message; a push notification to a mobile device; or a code generator app. A long and strong password, combined with 2FA, may be your best protection against would-be thieves and password attacks.
In addition, it’s just as important to keep the device’s operating system up to date. That means downloading all manufacturer updates as they become available. There are some additional security tips to consider for wearables. When you’re shopping for your device, consider how the manufacturer protects your information as well as how it meets your everyday needs.
Keep your Internet of Things secure too
The world is moving from being just an internet of connected people to an internet where everyone and everything is connected. This is known as the Internet of Things (IoT) as more household appliances like refrigerators and thermostats are considered smart devices.
That’s a lot of devices collecting and sharing information. So, don’t forget to secure your smart home devices. This way you’re only sharing what you want to be known about you. And you’re making it harder for criminals to access and misuse your information.
These safety measures can help protect it all:
- Change your default login credentials to something you’ll remember.
- Keep software up to date.
- Know what data is being collected and how it will be used.
- Limit what the device/app can do. For example, does your thermostat really need access to your contacts list?
Make it harder for thieves with these basic steps to you help you secure your devices.
The advice provided is for informational purposes only.
