Your smartphone and laptop are potential sources of your identity and your personal information. Here are some tips for keeping these devices secure.
1. Use security software to protect your identity. Install anti-virus software, anti-spy software and a firewall. Update these protections frequently, and change your passwords every few months. Protect against intrusions and infections that can compromise your computer files or passwords by installing security patches for your operating system.
2. Avoid Phishing emails. Do not click on links or download programs sent up strangers. Opening a file from someone you don’t know can expose your system to a computer virus or spyware that can capture your passwords or other information.
3. Avoid sending personal information over your laptop or smartphone on a public wireless network in a coffee shop, library, airport, hotel, or other public place unless you see that your information will be protected. If you use an encrypted website, only the information you send to or receive from that website is protected. If you use a secure wireless network, all the information you send on that network is protected.
4. Lock your laptop and only keep financial information on your laptop only when necessary. Do not use an automatic login feature that saves your name and password, and always log off when you are finished.