Start the Year Secure: Update Passwords and Devices
Keeping your devices up to date with the latest software patches and changing your passwords is a critical component of online security. While it may seem like a pain, we have some helpful tips for keeping your devices running with the latest software and how to update passwords.
Tips for Updating Devices
Here are five tips for updating your devices.
- Automatic Updates – Most devices allow you to enable automatic updates, so any critical security patches will be downloaded immediately. We highly recommend this option so you don’t miss any critical updates.
- Strong Access Controls – Use facial recognition, PIN codes or fingerprints to access your devices. This way if you lose your device, thieves won’t have access to all your data.
- Encrypt Devices – Enable encryption on your phone or laptop so that data is protected if your device is stolen.
- Security Software – Always install security software on your laptop or desktop.
- Default Passwords – Many devices, such as printers, smart home devices and routers, come with default passwords. Immediately change these upon setup.
Tips to Update Passwords
Follow these five helpful tips to update passwords and create passwords that aren’t easy for scammers and hackers to guess and gain access to your data.
- Strong Passwords – When creating passwords, aim for 15+ characters that include random letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using any words or phrases, birthdates, social security numbers, telephone numbers, addresses, pet names, etc.
- Unique Passwords – Never reuse passwords across accounts. That way if one account gets hacked, the hackers won’t have your passwords for all your accounts.
- Password Manager – Having passwords for every account can be overwhelming. We recommend using a password manager to better organize your passwords so you can access them at a moment’s notice and keep them protected (not in a binder next to your computer in case your home or office is burglarized).
- Multi-Factor Authentication – Most accounts allow you to add a second verification step, such as an email or text message, to access them. Always enable multi-factor authentication, if available.
- Never Save Passwords – Don’t save your passwords on your device in unencrypted documents, such as in notes or emails.
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