Ten must-do steps to secure your new tech devices

Unwrapped new gadgets come with added security risks that should be addressed immediately to avoid things turning sour, cybersecurity company ESET warns. Here are some tips on what to do first.

Tech devices are increasingly reliant on an internet connection. More than half of Europeans use internet-connected TVs, a quarter use smartwatches and other wearables, and a fifth own gaming devices.

“Our loved ones may not have been paying much attention to the small print when they hit “purchase” on our presents. So the pressure’s on all of us to ensure our dream holiday gift doesn’t turn into a security nightmare,” ESET posted.

The immediate glaring risk is that the new device usually contains unpathed firmware and software that needs to be updated. Hackers could exploit that to gain access to accounts or other goals.

Factory default passwords are another thing to worry about, as they’re usually easy to guess, enabling remote attackers to hijack the device with little to no effort.

Users who are keen to try the new device and auto-accept all the requests usually overshare their personal data with advertisers or potential malicious entities, enabling potential tracking. This is especially troubling if it’s a children’s toy.

“The challenge is that in many parts of the world, there’s no legal mandate for manufacturers, distributors, and importers to sell secure internet-connected products. By exploiting poor vendor design and limited attention to security best practices, malicious hackers can carry out a range of attacks to hijack your devices and access data stored on them. This could include logins to some of your most sensitive accounts, like online banking,” ESET warns.

So here’s what you should do after turning on the new device:

1. Ditch the default passwords and instead secure each gadget with a strong, long, and unique password on set-up.

2. Wherever there’s an option, switch on multifactor authentication for added login security.

3. Only visit legitimate app stores when downloading apps to your device – avoid sideloading.

4. Never jailbreak devices, as this can expose them to a slew of security risks.

5. Ensure all software and operating systems are up to date and on the latest version. And switch on automatic updates where possible.

6. Change the device settings to prevent any unauthorized pairing with other devices.

7. Disable remote management and Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) where available and ensure the device is registered and receiving updates.

8. Back up data from your devices in case of ransomware or other threats.

9. Keep any smart home devices on a separate Wi-Fi network so that attackers can’t reach your most sensitive information.

10. Install security software on the device from a reputable vendor.