If you have a smartphone, a laptop, and a tablet, you’re not alone. According to recent information released by the Pew Research Center, 77 percent of Americans own a smartphone. About eight-in-ten American adults own a desktop or laptop, half own tablets, and about one-in-five own e-reader devices.
While owning many devices opens you up to a variety of convenient options, it can also increase your risk of owning an insecure device. While running software updates and utilizing other security programs within the device, here are some tips for keeping everything a little more secure.
Backup Security
Most of the time the software that is included with your tech device works well and offers an adequate amount of security. There’s always the risk of encountering a glitch, such as Apple’s recent security issue with “root” users.
Investing in some backup security will keep your device running more efficiently and safer. While some security software is expensive, there are some excellent options at little to no cost. Just visit Scanguard.com and you’ll find an inexpensive option with all the essentials to keep your device secure.
Make Your Passwords Stronger
Many people use their smartphones like a personal computer because not only is it convenient but often times easier to use, especially on the go. Despite the fact that many smartphone users rarely put their phones down, they have a tendency to get careless and even a bit lazy with their device.
If you can simply “swipe” your smartphone open, you’ve made it easy for you but you also have zero security. As you should with all accounts on all devices, make your password different from others and difficult to figure out.
Can’t remember your passwords, keep them someplace safe and change them often.
Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA or two-step verification, can seem like a big inconvenience but it’s an easy way to keep all devices (and accounts) more secure. 2FA usually means entering an email address or a phone number for verification after you enter your passcode but it makes it more difficult for an unauthorized user to access your device.
Setting up 2FA may be a little time consuming, and you may get slightly annoyed each time to you need to enter extra information, but in the long run, it’s worth the effort.
Fingerprint Scanners
Some people have mixed feelings about fingerprint scanners but despite the “Big Brother” reputation, it’s another effective way to keep your tech device more secure. With more smartphones with fingerprint readers are released every year it’s a feature that we’ll probably see more of in the near future.
Don’t have a smartphone with a fingerprint scanner? The easiest thing to do would be to upgrade your phone to a model that has one but you can also use a reader/scanner on your PC, keyboard, or mouse. It may be a little of an investment (around $100) but it’s another easy way to make your device more secure.
Article by Vishal
Meet Vishal Gaikar, the tech wizard hailing from Pune, India, who's on a mission to decode the digital universe one blog post at a time. When he's not tinkering with gadgets or diving deep into the digital realm, you can find him concocting the perfect cup of chai or plotting his next adventure. Follow his tech escapades on Twitter and buckle up for a wild ride through the world of innovation and geekery!
