10 TECH TIPS TO KEEP YOUR DEVICES SAFE THIS SUMMER
In order to fully relax and enjoy this summer, keep any worries about your electronic devices at bay with these 10 tips.
FOR KEEPING YOUR DEVICES COOL
If you’ve ever had your iPhone shut down on you at the beach, you know that heat can mess with electronics. Here are 5 tips for keeping them safe, cool and working this summer.
GIVE THEM AIR
To keep your devices working for longer, it’s important to give them some breathing room. Provide sufficient space by leaving a gap of 2-3 inches and ensure that the vents are not obstructed by any loose items. Most electronics have vents located on their back or side which allow cool air to be drawn in from the front or sides, while hot air is expelled out from the back or sides.
DON’T STACK
Because electronic devices get warm enough on their own, stacking them on top of one another can produce even higher temperatures putting them further at risk of overheating. Spread out devices sufficiently and use shelves where you can.
KEEP DEVICES AWAY FROM HEAT
Avoid exposing your computer to direct sunlight and keep them away from windows. For optimal cooling, consider positioning them in the path of airflow from a fan or air conditioner. And remember that heat rises, so store devices on the lower levels of your home if you are able to.
Clean, Clean, Clean
Fans inside of your computer and other devices are designed to keep them cool. However, dirt, dust and hair can all slow down the fan and eventually cause it to stop. Use a can of compressed air to blow the dust away and remember to keep all of the vents clean.
Shut Them Down
If any of your electronic devices are overheating and malfunctioning during hot summer months, it’s important to turn them off and disconnect their power supply immediately. Allow the device to cool down until its casing is no longer hot to the touch before attempting to use it again. Ensure that the device isn’t stacked with other devices, and keep the surrounding area clear to allow for proper airflow, which can help prevent future overheating.
FOR KEEPING THEM SAFE WHILE TRAVELING
Don’t let a cyber criminal ruin your summer plans. Keep your devices cyber safe with these tips.
INSTALL UPDATES BEFORE YOU GO
It’s important to ensure that both your software and devices are kept up to date. By doing so, you can effectively close any vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit to attack your devices. Additionally, keeping your software and devices up to date can help prevent the need for urgent updates when you’re using subpar hotel Wi-Fi or your mobile data.
ENABLE MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) is an authentication method that requires a user to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource such as an application, online account, or a VPN. Instead of simply asking for a username and password, this requires one or more additional verification factors, which decreases the likelihood of a cyberattack.
SKIP THE PUBLIC WI-FI
When it comes to unknown public networks, it’s always best to assume that they’re compromised. It’s generally safest to avoid using untrusted Wi-Fi networks entirely, but if you must connect to public Wi-Fi, it’s important to take certain precautions. Always ensure that websites you visit begin with https:// instead of http:// and avoid accessing sites that require you to transmit personal or sensitive information.
BACKUP IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Backing up your mobile device data, such as contacts, photos, and videos, is crucial to ensure that you don’t lose important information in case your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. One way to do this is by syncing your data with another device, such as a laptop or desktop computer.
TURN ON “FIND MY” FEATURES
Many mobile devices, such as phones, tablets, and laptops, come with a built-in feature called “Find My Device” (or similar). This feature allows you to track the location of your device if it’s lost or stolen, as long as it’s turned on and connected to the internet.
Read the full article, click here.
