Smart devices like smartphones, tablets, and voice assistants have become an integral part of our lives. However, they also pose serious threats to our privacy and security. Here are some tips to help protect yourself:
Enable strong authentication on your devices whenever possible. Use a password, PIN, or biometric login like a fingerprint or face ID. This makes it much harder for someone else to access your device if it’s lost or stolen.
Keep your software up to date. Software updates often contain important security patches to fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited. Enable automatic updates on your devices whenever possible.
Be careful what personal information you share. Only install apps from trusted sources and be wary of granting unnecessary permissions. Some apps may collect and share more personal data than you realize.
Use encrypted messaging apps. Apps like Signal, WhatsApp, and iMessage use end-to-end encryption to protect your messages. SMS text messaging is not encrypted and can be read by your carrier.
Use a VPN or encrypted Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi networks are not secure and can allow others to see your online activity and steal your passwords or personal information. A VPN or encrypted Wi-Fi helps prevent this.
Consider using a privacy-focused mobile OS. Options like GrapheneOS, CalyxOS, and LineageOS offer enhanced privacy and security controls compared to mainstream mobile operating systems like Android and iOS. However, they may require technical expertise to install and configure.
Be careful with smart speakers. Smart speakers with voice assistants are always listening for their “wake word” and may collect and share more data than you expect. Disable the microphone whenever possible and review the privacy policies to understand how your data may be used.
Stay vigilant. New privacy and security threats emerge all the time. Keep an eye out for news reports on the latest vulnerabilities and scams targeting smart devices. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself. Protecting your privacy and security online requires ongoing effort and awareness.