Tech Spring Cleaning Part II: Protect Your Devices

In our continuing series on tech spring cleaning, we'll explore additional ways to not only maintain but improve your devices. We previously discussed the importance of updating your devices and the next step is protecting your devices. Here are a few tips for protecting your phone, tablet, computer, and other devices.

‍

Use a password or PIN

Keeping your device locked with a password or Personal Identification Number (PIN) is one of the easiest steps one can take to protect their device. Locking your device with a password or code protects them in the event that they fall into the wrong hands. Your locked device contains sensitive and private information that needs to be kept from criminals.

‍

Implement multi-factor authentication

Unique passwords are the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your device and data from cybercriminals. As an extra security layer, consider implementing multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor authentication requires a user to provide more than one type of credential from independent categories in order to gain access. These categories include knowledge (something a user knows), possession (something a user has), and inherence (something a user is) factors.

‍

Watch your connection

Connecting no matter where you are is easier than ever before. Wi-Fi networks are not necessarily considered secured; any user can access an unsecured network without a password if that user is in range. Public Wi-Fi should not be used to access sensitive or private information, such as online banking info, health data, or credit card information. Using VPN technology is a more secure alternative to Wi-Fi and allows users to access private information while maintaining privacy through data encryption.

‍

Stay on top of device updates

Software updates have many benefits to users and help keep hackers from infiltrating your devices. Updates include not only security patches, but also include new or enhanced software features, improve compatibility, and boost the overall performance and stability of the software. Keeping your device up to date also helps fend off viruses and reduces the likelihood of passing along any viruses to others.

Protecting your device, whether it's a phone, tablet, computer, or other item, requires diligence and regular monitoring. Partnering with the tech experts at AJTC will help you protect your company's devices and data from falling into the hands of cybercriminals. Contact AJTC today to learn more about IT security and other services. You may also visit AJTC here or call 708.942.8200.