The holiday season is fast approaching, and many people are eagerly anticipating receiving technology gifts from friends and family. Whether it’s a fitness tracker, laptop, smartphone, or connected baby monitor, the rise of smart devices has become a common trend in gift-giving. According to a recent report, more than half of Europeans now use internet-connected TVs, and a significant percentage also use smartwatches, gaming devices, and other wearables. As exciting and useful as these gifts may be, they also come with certain risks if not properly secured.
When unwrapping a new gadget, there are several common issues that could put personal and financial data at risk. These risks include unpatched software or firmware, easily guessable default passwords, lack of two-factor authentication (2FA), absence of device locks, insecure privacy settings, and failure to encrypt account creation and login processes. Additionally, devices that share geolocation, use Bluetooth pairing without authentication, and lack security software are also susceptible to exploitation by malicious hackers.
These vulnerabilities could result in compromised accounts, remote control of devices, involvement in botnet attacks, ransomware threats, adware downloads, and the sharing of personal data with advertisers. Despite the lack of legal mandates in many parts of the world for secure internet-connected products, consumers can take steps to safeguard their gadgets and data.
With these risks in mind, here are 10 ways to secure your gadgets and protect your family from cybersecurity and privacy threats:
1. Set strong, unique passwords for each device and avoid using default passwords.
2. Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
3. Only download apps from legitimate app stores.
4. Avoid jailbreaking devices to minimize security risks.
5. Keep software and operating systems up to date and enable automatic updates where possible.
6. Adjust device settings to prevent unauthorized pairing with other devices.
7. Disable remote management and Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) where available and ensure the device is receiving updates.
8. Back up data from your devices in case of threats like ransomware.
9. Keep smart home devices on a separate Wi-Fi network to protect sensitive information.
10. Install security software from reputable vendors on the device whenever possible.
By following these tips, individuals can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season and protect their personal data from potential threats. Additionally, when purchasing gadgets for friends and family, it’s important to conduct thorough research to ensure that the devices have good ratings and reviews for security and privacy. This extra effort can make a significant difference in safeguarding loved ones from security and privacy risks on Christmas Day and beyond.