TECHNOFILE
Keep your device safe and secure
If your workplace provides you with mobile devices for keeping in touch on the go , they are likely to be loaded-up with plenty of security to keep it safe . Anti-virus software aside , Tim Stackpool explains extra fundamental ways of keeping your own personal devices just as secure .
THE EXPERT
Tech expert Tim is the technology writer for Executive PA Media . He can be heard on talk radio in Australia and is a tech presenter who speaks at conferences and trade shows about technology ’ s impact on work and lifestyle .
Do not use the same User ID and password for different services While it might be difficult to remember different passwords for various sites and services that you might use , having the same password for various logins is a sure-fire way of getting hacked . While a hacker might not target you directly in the first instance , they certainly do attempt to steal any database of usernames and passwords from many online services . It is happening constantly . Smaller lesser-known services ( such as the local florist or bakery ) are particularly vulnerable as their security might be less than desirable . If you have a login for such a service , and that service gets hacked , then the bad guys immediately have your credentials , and will attempt to use them to gain access to your accounts at more popular online services , such as social media or internet banking sites .
Use a Password Manager Having to use a different password for every login makes it almost impossible to remember them all , especially when they must contain a capital letter , a number , a symbol and have at least 8 characters . But using a password manager , for example , not only means you do not have to remember every single one , but the manager can also generate random passwords , using all sorts of character combinations , that bear no resemblance to anything considered language . Having the password manager installed on your mobile device , and your laptop or PC , allows it to monitor your logins and then suggests or makes changes to your existing passwords as you wander across the internet . This means making all your logins secure over time is less tedious . You will , however , have to remember one master password for the password manager , but most also allow you to log into the manager using the biometric ( fingerprint ) sensor on your phone , making it even easier . Examples of password managers include LASTPASS and 1PASSWORD .
Enable Two Factor Authentication Two Factor Authentication ( 2FA ) is a system that kicks-in when you log into a service from a location or device that is new or unknown to that particular service . While your username and password represent “ single factor authentication ”, 2FA when enabled , subsequently sends an alert to your phone or email address , indicating that a “ stranger ” login has occurred . Unless you confirm that it is in fact you that is logging-in , the system generally kicks-out the stranger unless otherwise advised by that second factor of authentication . As the authentic user , this can be a tedious process , particularly if you are in a hurry to access the service . But considering the larger picture , 2FA can slow down a hacking attempt , and give you time to re-secure your account before significant damage can be done .
Keep the Operating System Up to Date There is a good reason why system update notifications keep bugging you on your device . Generally , these are released when a security vulnerability has been identified . Whether you use an iPhone or Android device , have anti-virus software installed or not , it is most important to allow your device to install the update as soon as possible after receiving the notification . The vulnerabilities that are subsequently ‘ patched ’ would already be well known to hackers , so it is merely a race to see who gets to your device first . Make yourself the winner by undertaking that update before the hackers find their way in . S
32 Executive PA | Summer Issue 2021