9 Solid Security Methods to Protect Digital Devices
Table of ContentsUpdated: 6 April, with new info.
It is natural to rely on your smartphone or computer for work or entertainment. These days, many people cannot imagine a life without such a device.
Having said that, the reliance does not necessarily translate to a proper maintenance strategy. Neglecting to protect your device and paying for it later happens more often than one might think.
It is fine if you do not keep important data on a mobile device or a computer, but what if you do? And what if it gets stolen with hardly any hopes of tracking the thief?
As a rule of thumb, it is crucial to take the necessary steps and ensure that your digital devices are protected properly.
Get Warranty
Let’s start with the warranty. Paying for a service that you might not even need does not sound like a good idea. There are reasons to think that way, but you also have to consider the fact that failing to create such a safety net puts you at risk.
The money you get from a warranty outweighs the fee. And if nothing happens to your device, then you still have a sense of security.
Clean the Dust
Cleaning the dust regularly should also be part of your routine. With mobile devices, such as tablets and smartphones, this one might seem redundant.
However, when it comes to computers, both desktop, and laptops, you need to get in the habit of removing the dust. Otherwise, it will not take too long before the device starts to overheat and damage its own hardware.
Keep the Pets Away
Keeping the pets away is another example of a problem that not everyone understands. It is not just the hair that gets sucked inside and clogs the internal fans, for instance.
Your pet might simply decide to push the device off the table even if it did not mean to do that.
Avoid Eating and Drinking Near the Device
Consuming food and drinks in front of a computer’s screen is a popular pastime. It is difficult not to watch something entertaining without eating or drinking.
Now, such behavior also means potentially damaging a computer. A particle on a screen is easy to wipe, but there is no telling how much you will have to go through to fix a keyboard if you spill a drink on it or drop food.
Back Up Files
Regular data backups are worth a shout as well. Even if they are not a direct way to counter potential hazards to your computer, it is still recommended to back up data on a regular basis.
A copy (or two) of data means that you can still access the files in case there are issues with the device’s hardware or if you delete files accidentally.
You can also consider data recovery software, but relying on it completely might not be the best approach as there are no guarantees that you will be able to recover a file.
To back up data, you can use either cloud storage or an external hard drive. Some operating systems require specific software, whereas with others, it is as simple as copying files to an external location.
Use Passwords
Password usage should not be that simple. You want to avoid using the same login details for different accounts. Exposing information for one profile means exposing information for other accounts.
It might be difficult to keep track of every password you use, particularly if you also plan to change them regularly.
Passwords managers offer a solid solution to the issue. Store login details in one place and access them whenever you want using the master password that only you know.
Invest in Protective Cases
Protective cases for tablets and smartphones should be a given. Even a cheap piece works fine as a layer of security. Despite being careful with the device, you might still drop it accidentally, and you cannot really guarantee that it will function properly after all.
A similar thing applies to laptops. In addition to having a proper laptop bag, you should also consider sleeves and other accessories that emphasize the protection of laptops.
Rely on Tracking Software
Investing in tracking software is a step that hardly any digital device owners bother with, but it is worth consideration.
If you really value your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, why not spend some money and get a tracking tool that will tell the device’s location at all times.
In case someone steals the device from you, it will be much easier to track it down, thanks to the investment you made.
Attend Devices in Public Places
Do not leave devices unattended in public places even if you know people and trust them. There are no guarantees that someone has not been eyeing your device for a while with the hopes of taking it for themselves.
Ideally, you should not bring a device to such gatherings, but if there is no other way, make sure to pay attention to it. Or, at the very least, leave it in the hands of someone you trust.
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