Just as
we change our batteries in our smoke detectors or cleaning out the old to make
room for the new is a routine we usually associate with springtime, securing
our devices should be a part of a that routine.
And even though we may be half-way through the summer, it’s not too late
to start servicing those devices to help deter and protect our home
assets. Therefore, this week I’d like to
provide a few tips on things that can/should be done, and springtime is a great
way to remember.
1.
Online
accounts are one of those things we seldom think about. Many folks may shop online and are forced to
create an account. Problem is, they use
it one time and the account remains out there for years. Information can be gathered from these
accounts which can lead to theft.
Protect yourself and delete these accounts.
2.
Check
the subscription on your Anti-virus software.
Some folks may get it for free from their place of business, but for
those that pay, now is a good time to check its expiration date. Many don’t even realize they are
unprotected. Finding out after something
happens is a lot worse than taking the few minutes to check and update
accordingly.
3.
Password
changes are a great way to protect you and your devices. Many fail to change for fear of forgetting
them. But changing your password and
making it difficult so it’s harder to crack should not only be done at this
time of year, but at least semi-annually.
Since some use the same password for many accounts, all it takes it to
have it cracked once and the doors open wide for other instances.
4.
Firmware
updates are fixes for known bugs whether it is for a router, printer, or mobile
device. Downloading and installing
firmware updates is a great way to plug the holes. If the vendor is aware, you can bet the
attackers are also. Since vendors
normally do not send out messages regarding firmware updates, this is the time
to go out and check for them.
5.
Protect
your mobile devices. Malware is on the
incline for such devices. Downloading
free apps or apps from places other than, for instance: Google Play or the
Apple Store is like leaving the front door open. Take this time to look over the apps on your
devices. Delete what’s not needed. Since many apps don’t go through a screening
process if not downloaded from a reliable source like the Apple Store, it
stands a bigger chance of containing bugs and even backdoors.
6.
Connecting
to the Internet is as natural today as eating dessert. Although it’s not thought of much, but this
is also an excellent time to update the Wi-fi security. Just like with accounts, changing the
password to the router, hiding the service set identification (SSD), and
installing updates will help provide another level of security. This will reduce the risk of an attacker
either gaining access to the network and your personal information or using it
wrongfully for their gain.
7.
Lastly,
create rescue disks or restore disks.
Nothing is worse than having an unknown virus that causes a hard system
crash. Having a rescue disk or restore disk can expedite getting your machine
back up and running. Also, if not
already done, consider buying an external hard drive and begin backing up your
files. If the need ever arises, you’ll
be glad you did. External hard drives
have the capacity in which an entire operating system and files can be stored
and will make it easier if or when you have to reload.
So as winter
disappears, don’t forget to take a look at the few tips just provided. Not
only will it protect your devices, but even more importantly, it will protect you. “The gadgets that connect to the
Internet need a security spring cleaning to keep them free from viruses and other forms
of malware” Poremba, Sue (2013).
Sue Marquette Poremba, Tech News Daily Contributor (May
2013). 7 Security Spring Cleaning Tips. Retrieved from http://www.technewsdaily.com/17974-7-security-spring-cleaning-tips.html
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