Protect your devices

Maintaining the latest version of apps and operating systems helps protect you from security vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates whenever possible.

Downloading an app invites its creators into your world. Only install apps from companies you know and trust. Repackaged and third-party apps have a much higher potential for harm, so be careful. You should also remain cautious with app permissions. Restrict access to your contacts, location, and photos to apps that need this sensitive info to function as desired.

Malware is often disguised as an email attachment. Be on the lookout for short, generic messages like "Hey! Look at this cute puppy!" or "This is funny!” from senders you don’t recognize with scrambled or unconventional email addresses. Malware can also come from website downloads. If you’re not confident the content is being provided by a trustworthy source, don’t download it or click any links.

Anti-virus software detects and protects against malware. It will catch most things, but not everything. So remain vigilant and enable automatic updates as new types of viruses are discovered every single day.

• Set your screen to auto-lock after a short period of inactivity
• Use strong PINs and passwords; the longer they are, the harder they are to hack
• Enable biometric authentication (fingerprint or Face ID) for additional security and faster access to your device

This useful functionality can help locate your device if it's lost or stolen. Hopefully, it was accidental and you’re able to go retrieve it. If this isn’t the case, you can lock your device or wipe it clean remotely before replacing it.

Should a scammer hack your device, you may need to wipe it clean. If so, you'll be glad to have a current backup to use when setting up your new device.

An attacker can easily discover the default username and password that's set by the manufacturer, so it's important to change them as soon as your equipment is installed. The password you choose to connect to your Wi-Fi network should be complex—and different from the admin login.

Encryption starts in your router settings. Choose WPA2 or WPA3 security so anyone connecting to your Wi-Fi network will require a password. This protocol also encrypts the activity of connected devices. Anti-virus software is your second line of defense. Choose one that can conduct real-time monitoring of your network for threats, such as new, unknown devices.

A Guest network allows others to use your Wi-Fi without connecting to your devices.

This can prevent a hacker from cracking into one of your smart devices and using it as a conduit to sensitive data on your laptop or phone. Another way to help prevent access to your devices is to disable any features you’re not using—especially those that may be set by default on IoT devices. Remote access, Bluetooth connectivity, or voice control are just a few of the features that can become possible entry points. Shut them down if you’re not using them.

Change the default password on IoT devices. Enable 2-factor authentication, if it’s available, so every time someone tries to access your smart device, they’ll be prompted to provide additional proof of identity only you have access to.

IoT devices usually come with preset privacy settings. Review them closely and make necessary modifications to suit your needs and comfort level. Should your home suffer a power outage, make sure to review the settings of your IoT devices afterward. Sometimes, surges can reset your devices to an unsecure state.

Always purchase IoT devices from reputable companies with a strong history of security. Take the time to review their documentation or pull up company websites for guidance on taking the recommended security measures. Make sure to register IoT devices with the manufacturer and be proactive about software and firmware updates. Also consider upgrading your cameras, thermostats, and other smart devices when newer, more secure models arrive. If you decide to sell your old devices, make sure to delete your data by following the manufacturer’s instructions beforehand.