Beyond Passwords: Security Practices For Protecting Your Tech

You have strong passwords set, a 2-factor authentication, and antivirus software installed. Proof you’re doing everything right to protect your devices and online accounts. But are these steps enough to prevent most online attacks in a hyper-connected world? What if there are threats you’re not considering? You could be a victim of clever phishing attacks cyber attackers are developing using AI. According to a report shared by Capitol Technology University, it’s estimated that 40% of all current cyberattacks, including automated phishing, are AI-driven and harder to detect. Besides cyber attacks, your devices (laptop, smartphone, or PC) could be stolen. Can you recover from a security incident regardless of how it occurs? In this post, we’ll discuss advanced security measures for your tech beyond passwords, changing your IP address, and putting up firewalls. You’ll learn about asset tagging, biometric authentication, and keeping your devices and software updated. 

Enable Biometric Authentication 

A report by Security Magazine reveals that as of 2022, 55% of consumers used a biometric authentication factor to unlock laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This next-gen security measure relies on unique physical and behavioral characteristics to verify ownership of tech devices and online accounts. Think fingerprints, facial features, iris patterns, and voice recognition. To unlock a smartphone or laptop, you’ll need to use your fingerprint, face ID, iris, or voice, for instance. It’s difficult to forge a fingerprint or iris, an aspect that makes biometrics a secure authentication unlike passwords. 

Like many individuals, it’s likely you have one password tied to all your devices and accounts. This poor password tactic makes it easy for anyone to access your systems if left unattended or when stolen. But with biometrics, it’s almost impossible for an unauthorized person or hacker to open your device or accounts. After all, no one can replicate your unique physical features. For instance, say you leave your devices unattended in a workspace or public space. Setting it to lock automatically in 3 minutes and only unlock using biometrics (fingerprint, iris, or voice) prevents unwanted access. Plus, you don’t have to remember passwords to access your devices unless you have combined biometrics with a strong password for an extra layer of security. 

Secure Physical Devices With Asset Tagging

When you think of securing IT hardware, you think of hackers attacking your online accounts. But physical device theft is a monumental risk for companies and individuals. Losing your devices increases the probability of data breaches. Good for you if you have enabled biometric authentication or multi-factor authenticators, such as one-time passwords (OTPs), magic links, or email codes, and have data backups. But what about the cost of replacing devices? Here’s where tagging assets comes in. The biggest benefits of using asset tagging is theft prevention and saves time locating lost or stolen devices. However, for asset tagging to be effective, you need trackable tags.

You could use GPS trackers and RFID tags to secure your company’s IT systems or simply protect personal devices. Adopting RFID asset tracking improves inventory control with an accuracy rate of 63% to 95%, for example. With asset tagging software, it’s easy to track the location of your tech equipment. You can track other data, like users, maintenance schedule, depreciation levels, and purchase history. When you tag assets with this information, it’s easier to show proof of ownership if your lost tech devices are found. For instance, having an asset tag with your name, company logo, and date of purchase helps you recognize your devices and avoid dispute of ownership in a matter of seconds. You can also tag laptops and other hardware with RFID chips to restrict access to authorized people only.

Prioritize Regular Device and Software Updates 

A weakness in a system or application (app) serves as a path for cybercriminals to hack sensitive information. Note, failure to prioritize software and hardware updates or patches that address security vulnerabilities creates a weak point for cyber attacks. Survey reports reveal unpatched vulnerabilities cause 32% of ransomware attacks. The consequences of ransomware attacks linked to exploited vulnerabilities have serious implications on finances and time. First, attackers demand a high ransom payment, with the median amount estimated at $1.988 million. Second, it’s costly to recover after ransomware incidents. The recovery cost and time ranges from three million dollars and one month, respectively. To mitigate this risk, you need to update software and hardware to the latest version. Most software updates download automatically, while some must be downloaded manually. So, look out for notifications of software patches and download them. Also, replace your hardware every five to seven years, as outdated hardware and the latest software versions may not be compatible. 

Setting passwords on your tablets, laptops, smartphones, and other tech gadgets is a perfect way of protecting your tech. However, passwords alone are not enough, as hackers are becoming more sophisticated and can hack passwords quickly using AI. Plus, your tech equipment can be stolen and reset to give unwanted access to anyone. That said, enable biometric authentication, use asset tagging with RFID chips or GPS trackers, and update hardware and software to secure your tech equipment.