Hackers are constantly looking for ways to exploit vulnerabilities in the devices we use every day. There are easy and effective ways to fortify those devices and keep cybercriminals at a distance. Here are five security features you should be using to protect yourself:
1. Stay updated
Software updates and security patches are not just there to add new features – they’re your device’s armour against potential vulnerabilities. Keeping your computer, smartphone, and apps updated ensures that any known weaknesses are patched up, making it much harder for hackers to exploit your system.
2. Manage app permissions
Apps might have access to more than you realize. On both iOS and Android, you can review the permissions that apps have, from accessing your camera to tracking your location. If an app doesn’t need certain permissions (like your contacts or microphone), disable them.
3. Go incognito with a VPN
Public WiFi is convenient, but it’s also a hacker’s playground. To keep your data safe when you’re on the go, always use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to anonymize your connection. This encrypts your data and protects it from prying eyes, whether you’re at a coffee shop or in an airport.
4. Think before You click
Phishing attempts are one of the most common ways hackers try to steal your personal information. Be cautious when receiving unexpected e-mails or texts, especially if they contain links or attachments. Always inspect the e-mail addresses for typos or odd characters – scammers often use subtle misspellings to make their e-mails look legitimate.
5. Disable tracking and ads
Online tracking is everywhere, from targeted ads to websites that follow your every click. Both iOS and Android have built-in privacy settings that allow you to disable personalized ads and prevent apps from tracking you across the web. Turning off tracking not only boosts your privacy, it limits the amount of data hackers can gather if they ever try to access your device.