Security Talk

I have met people who have secured their homes with high walls and fences that have an electric razor wire, motion sensors in the garden and an alarm, linked to a security company that has a response car parked 2 blocks away. A bit of an over kill? "….mmmmm maybe". The house starts to feel like Alcatraz, but you sleep well at night knowing that you’re safe. Your car, property and family are safe. Strangest thing though is now that their computers and tech devices are safe from theft, you would think they would apply the same concept when securing or protecting their devices from the internet. I was shocked to find out that they either didn’t have an antivirus installed let alone a firewall of any kind. If they did, the antivirus was either outdated or disabled. (Jaw dropping. I know).
The Internet is a very good place to get all types of information but can also be a dangerous place as there are some unruly internet users out there. Viruses, malware, spam, ransom-ware, chat room pervs, and identity theft and …. Gees the list is endless. These are real life tragedies waiting to happen if you don’t fence your devices the same way you do your home. There are some very simple ways to protect your data and devices. You hear this everyday but you tell yourself “nothing can happen to me”. Until it does. Here are a few tips to get you started.
1. Password protect Your devices and accounts
Use a complex password for your accounts and devices (Computers, Phones, and WiFi Routers etc.). Using the same password for all your accounts and using the conventional password123 and date of birth type passwords does not cut it. Try to change your password at least every 90 days.
2. Use an Antivirus
There are lots of products to choose from. Pick one and make sure you update it every week at least. Enable the firewall and manage the applications that have access to your devices.
3. Encrypt Data
Whenever possible encrypt data when sending it over the internet. This protects data and ensures the integrity of the information sent to the recipient. The use of encryption is nearly as old as the art of communication itself. As early as 1900 BC, the Egyptians used encryption to protect sensitive messages. So why stop now?
4. Create Multiple User Accounts To Protect Privacy
When you share a device, create multiple accounts, one for each user, and grant the necessary permissions only. This helps in restricting unauthorized access to information or applications.
5. Backup your Data
We all have those moments when your devices just won’t work and you have all your photos or data saved only on that one device. To avoid data loss, always have an updated backup of your data. Run a backup as often as you can. Do not store the backup on the same device

6. Internet Filter

Some sites are not healthy or are a security risk. Use an internet filter to block these sites. Especially for your kids’ devices. As parents you need to monitor your child’s browsing behavior to avoid the risk of falling prey to internet trolls and psychos.