In a connected world, your security is as strong as your awareness: Stay informed to stay safe. Computers, phones, and other connected devices are more powerful than ever. Whether working remotely or carrying a smartphone, the physical protection of a space and devices can be just as important as protecting data.
Physical security means keeping unauthorized people out of an area. In terms of your connected devices, that actual space could include your home, a home office, a hotel room, or anywhere else that you might use them. It also means protecting your devices. You already use locks on your doors and maybe a safe or security system, but here are a few other precautions to take:
- Always use a lock screen on your computer, tablet, and smartphone.
- Use strong passwords and multifactor authentication on each of your connected devices. Don’t leave those passwords lying around or written down anywhere an intruder could find them.
- Consider using a reputable password manager, which serves as a digital safe that encrypts and stores your login credentials, passkeys, credit card and personal details, and sensitive files.
- When you’re not using your removable media, such as USB drives, lock them up in a safe place.
- If you find a USB or any other removable device, don’t be tempted to plug it in and look at what it contains, even if you’d like to find the rightful owner. It could contain malware, so once you plug it in, you may give hackers access to your computer or device.
- Back up your data in the cloud or another secondary location in case of fire, theft, or other physical damage.
- Delete all data from any device you are discarding, donating, or giving to another person. Do not rely solely on selecting “delete” from the menu. Even if you empty the trash, the deleted files are still on the device and can be retrieved. Permanent data deletion requires several steps. Specific instructions will vary by device and manufacturer.
- Shred receipts, credit offers, insurance forms, medical records, and all similar documents when you no longer need them.
- Always keep your computer software up to date with the most current security patches.
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