Cyber security is such an issue these days. Anyone with malicious intent and ample skill can steal this information and use it against you. Or they can use your data for their ill-mannered agenda at your expense.
We cannot stress enough the importance of securing your smart home devices and data. Your smart devices, especially your smartphone, are a treasure trove of sensitive content to which only a trusted few should be given access. Here are some ways you can better protect your devices from bad actors.
- Invest in VPN services. Short for virtual private networks, a VPN protects a user’s IP address by redirecting it through a protected remote server run by the VPN host–kind of like how VIPs and celebrities avoid large unruly crowds by being granted access to VIP entrances while being escorted by tight security.
Through a VPN, you can directly exchange data across a shared or private network that only subscribers can access. Encryption is common, although not mandatory, for a VPN connection. Users can also bypass region-specific, or geolocked, content. Other benefits include a secure remote work connection and anonymously browsing through servers and websites. And yes, it is way better than incognito mode.
VPNs are not free, though; they can cost upwards of $11 or P600 per month. The proven ones are more expensive. There is also a limit to how many devices can connect simultaneously; having additional devices can cost extra. While protection is priceless, especially in the digital world, it is important to identify your work’s nature and pick the best product for you. In short, you should put in your due diligence.
- Use free tools. If you think a VPN would be overkill, then there are free methods that you can do to double down on your smartphone’s safety. You can enable a screen lock so no one but you can access your device. It doesn’t matter if you prefer a password, pattern lock, fingerprint, or face recognition. As long as you recognize the potential threat to your data, that is all that matters. The issue with this is in times of emergency, you may need it as you are physically unable to do so. If your lock screen is password-protected, then your representative has no choice but to wait for you to recover or at least be able to unlock it yourself.
- Be vigilant of who can access your smart assistant. So let’s say you managed to secure your phone with a lock screen, but you also synced your device to your smart home assistant, which can access your email and social media accounts. Smart devices are quite reliable and useful for home automation, just like the Google Home Mini. All it takes is one “Hey, Google,” and you get the equivalent benefit of opening your browser, especially if you have a high-speed Internet connection that can keep up with fast-evolving technology like PLDT Home Fiber Plus plans.
However, smart assistants can sometimes be indiscriminate and respond to anyone. All it takes is one “Hey, Google,” and all your confidential files will fall into the hands of someone with malicious intent. One way to prevent this is to register your voice pattern so that your smart assistant can be more discriminate to the voices it responds to. Have your family members sync their phones and register their voices, so everyone can enjoy the benefits of a smart assistant while restricting access to only family members.
Stay safe and secure with PLDT Home
With threats of bad actors occurring every day, we hope these tips help you take proper action to ensure that your data is secure at all times. And with fast and secure networks like PLDT Home, your pertinent personal information won’t be compromised. So subscribe to PLDT Home's Fiber Plus Plans today!