Tech Tip Tuesday is written and made possible by Computek who has been providing Georgetown and Austin businesses with fast, reliable and secure IT support and services since 2001. Learn more about Computek on their website, Facebook page or Instagram profile.
What can you do to make sure your device is secure BEFORE it is lost or stolen? No one likes to think about loss or theft, but when it comes to devices such as laptops or phones, there is more at risk to think about than ever. Consider how many emails, financial institutions, and social media profiles you access each day. How bad would it be if someone else had access as well?
We carry a lot of sensitive information around with us so it’s important to follow these three tips to protect your devices BEFORE they are lost or stolen. It may never happen, but it’s always better to be prepared if it does.
Password Protect Your Device
If your device is password protected, you’re doing great! Having a pin or password on your device is a reliable first line of defense. If someone is trying to get into your system, having a password will make sure they don’t gain access right away, giving you more time. While some might be able to break in eventually, during the time they’re trying to break in, you can change your passwords and lock them out of all your accounts.
Always Log Out
The second thing you can do is always log out of applications before you shut down your system. This will limit access anyone who is trying to use your device will have as long as you don’t save your passwords to your browser. A great alternative to saving passwords to your browser is using a professional password keeper. This way, if you know your device has been stolen, you will be able to quickly change your master password and keep the hacker out.
Learn Locking and Erasing Tools
Take the time to install and learn how to use locking and erasing tools for your laptop, iPhone, or Android. After you change all your passwords, you’ll want to make sure your device is locked down and wiped. This is your best line of defense against those who want to steal your data. You can find information about tools for locking and erasing by visiting the website for your particular device and searching the help section.
The Bottom Line
If ever your device is lost or stolen, putting these three protective measures in place will give you or your IT company more time to lock down your system before any data is breached.
For more information on backing up your system, putting cybersecurity measures in place, or recommendations for a professional password keeper, contact your local IT company today!
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