When it comes to cybersecurity, many focus on staying safe from hackers and viruses, but physical and device security is just as important.
Physical security means keeping unauthorized people out of your space. 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 the information on your devices, including removable media such as USB thumb drives, tablets, smart watches, music players, digital cameras, and e-readers. These devices can hold your private information, such as passwords and account numbers: all things a hacker would love to steal.
You probably already use locks on your doors and use 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 on each of your connected devices. Don’t leave those passwords lying around or written down anywhere an intruder could find them.
- When you’re not using your removable media, such as USB drives, lock them up in a safe place.
- When possible, make sure your removable media is password-protected. Better yet, encrypt your files as well. Encryption doesn't just lock your files, it scrambles them.
- 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’ll potentially have given a hacker 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 software up to date with the most current security patches.
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