Protect your devices
The devices in our lives are both useful and fun. However, they can also be an open door for cybercriminals. So, how can you keep your devices secure.
The risks
Devices can be hacked, allowing thieves to see your sensitive information and, in some cases, the accounts you access on that device.
Your devices include:
- Phones
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Internet of things devices, such as lights, fridges and security cameras
Decorative I received an email from a seemingly trustworthy source and clicked a link. This opened the way for malware to infect my device, helping cybercriminals access my personal data. Before I realised the trick, $4000 had been taken from my bank account. I contacted my bank, who also told me to report the incident to the police.
Anonymous customer
Turn off auto-fill for forms
This stops anyone who accesses your device without permission from easily seeing your personal and financial information.
Check your user account access
Avoid using an administrator account. This is an all-areas access pass to your computer often targeted by hackers.
Set up automatic backups
By enabling automatic updates, this means you will always have a protected copy of your personal information if your device is stolen or compromised.
Set your device to auto-lock
This can be done through Settings and is different from screen lock or screensaver, which does not secure your device.
Choose auto-updates if available
Don’t miss upgrades to software or apps, as these often fix weaknesses targeted by hackers.
Activate ‘find your device’ services
If your device goes missing or someone steals it, you can wipe it to stop anyone else from seeing your personal information.
Regularly update devices
If your device is old, it may be easy to hack if it no longer updates to the latest operating system.
Set up password protection
Computers, smartphones and tablets all give you the option to choose a password, passcode (number) or pattern to lock and unlock your device. Some also offer facial recognition and fingerprint access, or ‘biometric authentication’.
Check your password strength and learn more about creating and managing strong passwords.
Check that you have anti-virus software installed
Just like cleaning, maintaining and protecting your home or office, it’s important to have good, up-to-date antivirus and internet security software installed on your computers.
Antivirus is like having a guard dog patrolling your device for malware such as viruses and ransomware. You want this protection because, once it gets in, malware can infect, damage or access your computer.
Malware typically invades your device via infected website links, email attachments, websites, and downloads.
Whether you’re an individual or a business, paying for third-party antivirus software will protect your computer and flag suspicious downloads or sites. This is a good option if you’ve first looked into the antivirus provider’s privacy and data protection practices.
Before you download your chosen software, make sure you’re using the official website. Sometimes malware-infected products will look very similar to genuine brands.
Use the internet securely
Sometimes you can’t avoid using unsecured public or free Wi-Fi. That’s where using a trusted Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help protect the personal information on your device.
Find out more about public Wi-Fi and VPN from the Cyber Security Centre.
Home internet
Stay secure by changing the login details for your Wi-Fi (you can usually find these on the back of your modem or contact your internet provider for support)
What to do when you no longer need your device
It’s important to dispose of your devices safely. You may also want to consider how to responsibly recycle your devices.
Before you do, transfer or backup the personal information you need to keep. Next, remove your data by doing a factory reset. This also returns your device to its original settings.