Securing Personal Devices

Most of us treat our phones, tablets and computers like household appliances, we expect them to just work when we turn them on, like a kettle boils water or a TV shows a channel. After they’ve been set up, they’re mostly left to run quietly in the background. This is just a normal way of thinking these days and is perfectly OK, except with internet connected devices there’s an important difference.

Unlike a toaster or a washing machine, a connected device never stands still. It is always exposed to new risks and, without care, it can quickly fall behind.

When we talk about securing personal devices, we are not just talking about buying security software. It begins with the simple idea that these devices need a bit of regular attention if they are to remain safe and reliable.

Why updates matter more than you think

Most people are aware that companies release big updates from time to time. These might come with a fresh look, new features or a slightly different way of doing things. What many people do not realise is that in between these big updates there is a quieter, more frequent cycle of smaller updates. These incremental updates do not usually change the way your device looks or works. Instead, they fix problems that have been found after the device was sold.

Those problems are not just little bugs. Very often, they are holes in the software that criminals can use to steal data or take control of a device. As soon as one of these holes is discovered, companies race to close it by issuing a patch. If you do not install these patches, the hole remains open, and your device stays vulnerable.

A good way to think of it is like locking your front door. If someone discovers your key has a flaw, the lock maker sends you a stronger key. If you do not use the new key, you are leaving your house easy to enter. Updates are that new key.

How to keep your devices safe

Securing your device does not need to be complicated. You don’t need to learn new technology or spend money on expensive tools. The most effective step is to make sure your device is up to date.

Every smart phone, tablet and computer has an option to check for updates automatically. In most cases it is best to switch this on and let the updates install when they are released. If you prefer to manage updates yourself, set a reminder to check for them at least once a month. Make it part of a simple routine, much like checking smoke alarms or topping up the oil in your car. But the important part if to do it.

When an update appears, do not put it off. Many people see the prompt to update and press ‘Install Later’ because they are busy or they pop up at the most inconvenient of times. The longer you leave it, the longer your device is exposed. It is better to let it install when you do not need to use the device for a few minutes during the day or overnight.

Updates are just one part of securing a device. Simple habits help too:

• Use a strong passphrase, fingerprint or face recognition so that if your device is lost, a stranger cannot easily open it.

• Only install apps or software from trusted sources such as the official app store or your device manufacturer.

• Back up your important data so that if the worst happens, you do not lose everything.

A small effort with big results

Spending a few minutes keeping your device up to date can make the difference between a safe digital life and a stressful, costly incident. Cyber criminals often look for easy targets. Devices that have been neglected for months or years are exactly what they hope to find.

Your phone, your tablet, your laptop – they are more than appliances. They are small, powerful computers that hold some of your most personal information. Giving them regular care is not complicated and it does not need to be technical. It is just about staying a step ahead.

In the same way you lock your doors at night, keeping your devices secure is a habit worth forming. It is one of the simplest and most effective steps you can take to protect yourself in the digital world.