Cyber-attacks targeting personal devices are becoming more widespread in today’s digital landscape. As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, it’s crucial to safeguard your devices from such threats. Our phones, laptops, and tablets contain sensitive information — ranging from bank details and health records to personal messages and accounts — making them attractive targets for cybercriminals looking to steal data or gain unauthorized access.
Luckily, there are simple yet effective ways to reduce your risk and protect your information. Our resident cybersecurity expert, Angie Young, offers these tips to help keep your devices, your data, and yourself safe.
Ensure Your Device is Secure
Because of the amount of sensitive information contained on your devices, they can be vulnerable to hacking and unauthorized access. Here are some steps to enhance your devices’ security:
Lock Your Home Screen or Desktop
Securing your home screen or desktop is one of the most effective ways to protect your devices. Whether you use a passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition to prevent unauthorized access, a locked device acts as your first line of defense.
Keep Your Devices Updated
Operating system updates are essential for security, as they often address vulnerabilities in your software. Install updates when they are available to keep your devices secure.
Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi
Free public Wi-Fi can be appealing, but it often poses risks, as hackers can access your data on unsecured networks. If you are using public Wi-Fi, consider a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection and protect your device.
Disable Bluetooth When Not in Use
Keep Bluetooth turned off when you don’t need it. When left on, it can expose your device to attacks, especially while in public spaces.
Manage Location Tracking
Many apps request location access, but not all need it. Only allow location tracking for necessary and trusted apps. You can also check your app permissions to revoke access from apps you no longer use.
Download Apps from Trusted Sources
Pay attention to where you download apps from. Using official marketplaces like Apple’s App Store or Google Play are your safest options, as third-party sources may host malicious software designed to compromise your device.
Be Wary of Security Codes
Scammers frequently impersonate legitimate organizations or people to trick individuals into sharing security codes or personal information. Never provide sensitive information without verifying the source of the request.
Manage Your Passwords Effectively
Strong password management is crucial for protecting personal information. Weak or reused passwords make it easy for cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to your accounts and information. Here is how to create strong passwords and securely manage them:
Use Passphrases
Instead of using common words or phrases for your password, create a passphrase made up of random words or a memorable sentence. For example, “SunlightHippoDrinksWater” is much harder to guess than “Password123.”
Substitute Special Characters
To make your password even harder to crack, substitute letters with numbers or special characters. For example, use “@” for “a” or “3” for “e.” These simple changes can significantly improve security.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication gives you an extra layer of security. Even if someone obtains your password, they will need a second form of verification to access your accounts.
Avoid Reusing Passwords
Reusing passwords for multiple accounts is risky. If a hacker gains access to one account, they may be able to access others, compromising lots of sensitive information.
Use a Password Manager
Managing several strong passwords can be challenging. A password manager securely stores and generates complex passwords for your accounts. This ensures that each account has a unique password without the need to memorize them all.
Stay Proactive in Your Cybersecurity Practices
Protecting your personal devices from cyber threats may feel overwhelming, but simple actions can make a big difference. Lock your devices, avoid unsecured networks, enable MFA, and create strong, unique passwords to defend against hackers.
Remember that cybersecurity is an ongoing effort. Stay updated on potential threats, regularly review your settings, and ensure your software is current. By adopting a proactive approach, you can significantly reduce your risk of cyber-attacks and keep your sensitive information secure.
