Who grabbed some tech goodies
during the holiday sales frenzy? It's the perfect moment to snag a deal, but I
understand many of you are swamped with work and family commitments.
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| Ordering Christmas presents, online payment. Online shopping, internet banking, spending money, holidays, vacations concept |
However, don't just unpack your new
gear and leave it unattended. (Hackers and scammers are probably counting on
you doing just that.) Dedicate a few minutes to fortify its security. You'll
thank yourself later.
Keep Your Location Solely Yours
For devices that accompany us, such as phones, tablets, and laptops, they possess precise location data, often monetized by various companies. Although completely halting all location tracking can be challenging, or simply inconvenient, it's crucial to scrutinize and manage what has access to your location.
On Windows:
Navigate to Start > Settings
> Privacy > Location.
Click Change, then disable Location
for this device. This action also prevents apps from accessing your location.
On Mac:
Go to the Apple menu > System
Preferences > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
Turn off Location Services.
On iPhone:
Access Settings > Privacy &
Security > Location Services.
You can opt to disable Location
Services entirely or customize it by turning it off for individual apps. Scroll
down the list and tap the apps you want to modify.
On Android:
Visit Settings > Location and
toggle off Use Location.
If you choose to leave the setting on, scroll down and adjust the settings for each app by tapping on them.
The Mysterious Hidden Map on Your Apple Gear
Apple has a feature that tracks
your frequent locations and offers suggestions based on what it labels as
Significant Locations. While some find it helpful, not everyone appreciates
this functionality. If you want to clear this list, follow these steps on your
iPhone:
Open Settings.
Navigate to Privacy & Security
> Location Services > System Services.
Tap on Significant Locations.
Press the Clear History button to
remove the stored data.
Stay In-the-Know with the Latest Updates
Depending on how long your newly
acquired device remained on a shelf or in a warehouse, it might require a
software or firmware update. Head into the settings and search for any
available updates; there might be a couple in succession.
Following the initial update, establish a routine to check each of your devices on a monthly basis. It only requires a few minutes but could spare you significant trouble in the future. Whenever possible, enable automatic updates to minimize the need for manual intervention and ensure your devices stay up-to-date.
Invest Time Now to Ensure Your Registration is Complete
Have you considered registering
your new tech with the manufacturer? While it may only take a few minutes, it
serves as a means to reclaim your device if it falls into the hands of a
hacker. By registering, the manufacturer retains proof that the device belongs
to you, even if a hacker attempts alterations.
Additionally, registering is a
crucial step if your device encounters issues later and is still under
warranty.
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| Mother and daughter wrapping christmas presents in their small cozy apartment |
Pro tip: Consider skipping the extended warranty. Most problems
arise during the initial (free) coverage period.
Master the Art of Connection with Strategic and Savvy Approaches
The initial step after setting up a new device is typically connecting it to your home's wireless internet. However, the downside is that each connected device presents a potential entry point for malicious actors.
To enhance security, consider
placing all your smart devices on a guest network. Follow these steps:
Access your router's admin page.
Look for a section labeled Guest Network or Guest Networks.
Enable your Guest Network, ensuring
that SSID Broadcast is turned on.
To reach your router's admin page,
you'll need the device's IP address and admin password. Once in the router's
settings, exercise caution and avoid selecting options that grant guests access
to each other and your local network.
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