Due to an increase in digital devices, our generation faces the issue of having them stolen or getting lost and also a concern to protect devices or physical security. Both of these outcomes end unfavorably for us and our store sensitive data. So what can happen if your smartphone falls into the wrong hands? I don’t even need to tell you to do I?
From Identity theft to leak of personal data. From images to financial data getting leaked. The damages are endless. So the Hacking world team decided to find a decent and probable solution that everyone can implement with the comfort of their own homes.
Here are a few tips that can enhance your physical device security:
Table of contents
- 1. Password-protect all your devices.
- 2. Always back up files on the cloud or with a backup storage.
- 3. Setting up tracking software
- 4. Do not leave your devices unattended
- 5. Encrypt sensitive data.
- 6. Update your device
- 7) Store sensitive data separately in order to protect your devices
- 8) Use antivirus and anti-theft apps to protect your devices:
1. Password-protect all your devices.
As simple as it sounds, it’s more effective than you think. If anyone steals your Android or IOS device. They will first need to crack your phone password to get access to your data. Having a very strong password can make it very difficult, sometimes almost impossible for thieves to unlock your phone. Although it is possible to crack password protection on devices, it takes a long time. Especially if its a strong password. Simply put, it adds an extra layer of protection, which can help you buy you enough time to locate and recover the device with the help of the police.
2. Always back up files on the cloud or with a backup storage.
Why? Even if your device is stolen, you need not lose your sensitive data. Regular backups are the key to safety against theft of your personal and financial data. There are plenty of options for data backup these days thanks to the low prices of external hard disks and USB drives. Not to mention free cloud storage such as mega sync and google drive.
Taking the time to set up backup will help in reducing the headache and the pain involved in re-creating the sensitive data and files. You can also check out Google Cloud Storage for backup storage.
3. Setting up tracking software
Locating your stolen device and getting it back is not impossible. Especially if you had already taken measures such as setting up tracking software. Now the device itself can tell you its location, and you can also control it remotely using the tracking software, which has certain methods of “remote control.”
Also, Read- How to Recover & Secure WhatsApp Account
4. Do not leave your devices unattended
Leaving your laptop or mobile device while having food or being out in the party is a common occurrence these days. The drawback of this bad habit is that it gives thieves the chance to steal your devices and get access to all your data as well. Leaving your external hard disk and other sensitive data out in the open is a disaster waiting to happen.
Make sure you keep your belongings safely, especially devices. Thieves and hackers are always on the lookout for easy to access devices for stealing and hacking. This tip may help you protect your devices most of the time.
5. Encrypt sensitive data.
Always store sensitive data in encrypted files. This would prevent your sensitive data from falling in the wrong hands and also prevent anyone from exploiting the data if your device was stolen.
File encryption is free on both mac os, windows as well as android. Make sure you encrypt your sensitive data. Encryption is much harder to break than your traditional passwords to it will help secure your device in the long run.
6. Update your device
After the recent android updates. The passwords and pattern locks are not reset even after the factory reset. This ensures that even if a thief resets your device, they cannot use it. And these can also help you track and locate your device.
Always update your device to make sure hackers also cannot break into those devices with high security.
7) Store sensitive data separately in order to protect your devices
Your computer may not be the safest place to keep your sensitive data and to protect the device. Consider using an encrypted USB storage or an external hard drive for sensitive data and carrying that separately. This way, if “bad things” happen, you will be much safer since your data cannot be exploited.
8) Use antivirus and anti-theft apps to protect your devices:
Many antivirus software has anti-theft features that take a picture of anyone who tries to open your phone. The photo is sent to your mail so that you can easily find the thief and recover your device. Antivirus helps a lot to protect your digital devices.
There is also a feature that triggers an alarm for too many incorrect passwords or if someone tries to remove your sim card from the device. These types of features can help catch thieves and protect your digital devices as well as data. This is one of the simplest and affordable methods to protect devices and ensure physical security.
