Safe Habits: Updates, Backups and Wi-Fi

Introduction

Strong passwords and careful clicking protect your accounts. The last pieces are keeping your devices up to date, keeping copies of what matters, and being careful where you connect.

Keep software updated

Updates fix security holes that criminals already know about. When a flaw is found in an app, phone system or browser, the maker releases an update. Anyone who has not installed it stays open to the attack.

• Turn on automatic updates for your phone, computer, browser and apps.
• Restart when asked. Many updates only finish after a restart.
• Remove apps you no longer use.

Back up what matters

Devices get lost, broken or locked by ransomware. A backup is a separate copy of your important files. A well-known guide is the 3-2-1 rule:

• 3 copies of your data
• on 2 different kinds of storage (for example your computer and an external drive)
• with 1 copy somewhere else, such as a cloud backup or a drive kept elsewhere

Test it sometimes by opening a file from the backup.

Download and install carefully

• Get apps from official stores or the maker's own website.
• Be wary of free versions of paid software and files from unknown links.
• Read the permissions an app asks for. A torch app does not need your contacts.

Using public Wi-Fi

Open Wi-Fi in cafes and airports can be watched or faked. Most websites now use HTTPS, which encrypts the connection, but be careful:

• A padlock means the connection is private. It does not mean the site is honest, because scam sites can have one too.
• Avoid banking on public Wi-Fi when you can. Your phone's mobile data is a safer choice.
• Turn off automatic connection to open networks.

Lock your devices

Use a screen lock (a PIN, fingerprint or face unlock) on your phone and computer, and keep it short but not obvious. If a device is lost, a lock buys you time to remove it from your accounts.

Try it yourself

Check three things today: automatic updates are on, your phone has a screen lock, and an important folder has a backup somewhere else.

Summary

• Install updates quickly, ideally automatically.
• Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule.
• Download from trusted places, be careful on public Wi-Fi, and lock your devices.