Nowadays, there seems to be newer and shinier gadgets released everyday. This relentless growth has also begun shifting the focus to other factors that are more important than a new iPhone release coming in a different colorway or having groundbreaking photographic specs.
The issue of cybersecurity is one aspect that has long been overlooked and undervalued, as a report from Juniper Research found that over 146 billion digital records will be stolen in the next five years, many of which will be taken from everyday gadgets.
But as manufacturers continue beefing up their products’ cyber defenses, cyber criminals aren’t falling behind, as they continue to improve their techniques with every passing day. That being said, here’s how you can safeguard your gadgets from cyber attacks:
Stay Updated
As cyber criminals continue to improve their expertise, it is important for users to install the latest software updates on their gadgets. Regularly updating software might feel like a tedious task, but this will only help block hackers from exploiting your device’s vulnerabilities. After all, these adjustments are due to developers fixing bugs and addressing security risks, so view your software updates as an extra line of defense against cyber crimes.
Set Boundaries for Online Sharing
While it may be fun to share everything going on in your life with family and friends online, social media is one of the main vectors that cyber criminals use to steal your data. A picture is truly worth a thousand words, as they can learn significant details about your life based on the photos or status updates you share. For example, posting pictures of IDs can leave you vulnerable to criminals who’d like to sell your personal data or use it for fraud, while a picture of your dog or anniversary dates with your spouse can provide clues to security questions on your accounts. When it comes to online sharing, less is always much better.
Strengthen Your Passwords
Although picking a password might seem like a simple requirement, it’s actually one of the most crucial components of digital security. When you have a weak password, hackers have a higher chance of accessing your personal information, as it’ll be easier to guess it and compromise your gadget’s security system. This is why a complex password is your safest bet against cyber attacks. Steer clear of passwords such as “123456” and “qwerty,” as CNN reports that the 26 million owners of these passwords have been hacked.
Assert Authority
Mobile and computer devices are susceptible to cyber attacks, but did you know that even your 3D printer could be a lethal attack vector? Since 3D printers like Glowforge work over the cloud to connect with your devices, a hacker can attach malware over your gadget’s communications, which can then sneak into your device’s security system. The same can be said for regular printers that are connected to a Wi-Fi network. This, in turn, shows the importance of protecting your gadgets from third-party applications by either managing or disabling their permission settings for your phone’s data. You should also keep in mind that not all applications will inform you about their access to your gadgets, which is why you should consider double-checking your system’s preferences.
Remain Vigilant
Even if your gadgets have the right programs and safety measures implemented, having a strong sense of vigilance is your best weapon against cyber crime. With cyber criminals finding new ways to compromise your gadgets, equipping yourself with personal safety knowledge is essential for your protection. Thankfully, there are many ways you can enrich your own knowledge to protect your gadgets and yourself. A range of cybersecurity courses online are a great resource for anyone looking to learn from top-rated instructors — from beginners looking to get to know the basics of data protection, to more advanced learners wanting to master coding. Whatever level you are at in terms of programming skills, having sound knowledge and keeping up with the latest developments will make you less susceptible to cyber attacks.
Do you have any other tips you’d like to add? Feel free to add them in the comments section below.
