A new McAfee survey reveals less than half of Australians take the proper security measures to protect their new Christmas gadgets - media streaming devices, drones, and smart home products join the list of devices that can compromise consumers’ security.
McAfee survey results include:
The top internet-connected devices that Australians will buy this year will be:
- Smartphone or tablets (65% said they would either be buying for themselves another)
- Laptops (41%)
- Smart TVs (33%)
- Fitness Trackers (25%)
- Home devices such as Bluetooth speakers, connected thermostats (23%)
Despite 80% of Aussies saying they would start using their devices within the first day of receiving them, Intel Security has found that 46% are unsure of what they even need to do to secure a device.
It says this year’s Most Hackable Christmas Gifts include:
- Laptops and PCs
- Smartphones and Tablets
- Media Streaming Devices
- Smart Home Automation Devices and Apps
- Drones
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McAfee (Intel; Security) has a few pointers on Christmas gift security.
Secure your device before you start using it. Your laptop, smartphone or tablet are the keys to controlling your home and your personal information. Make sure you have comprehensive paid security software installed.
- Only use secure Wi-Fi. Using your devices, such as your smart home applications, on public Wi-Fi could leave you and your home open to risk. Never allow your home devices to be directly exposed to the internet.
- Keep software up-to-date. Apply patches as they are released from the manufacturer. Install manufacturer updates right away to ensure that your device is protected from the latest known threats.
- Configure a strong password or PIN. Don’t use default passwords. If your device supports it, use multi-factor authentication (MFA) as it can include factors like a trusted device, your face, fingerprint, etc. to make your login more secure.
- Check before you click. Be suspicious of links from people you do not know and always use internet security software to stay protected. Hover over the link to find a full URL of the link’s destination in the lower corner of your browser.
- Do your research. Purchase devices that come with proper administration and management. Devices should possess the necessary processes to determine if something is wrong, communicate such events to their owners, and provide options to resolve issues.
I would add the warning that fake shopping apps and dodgy suppliers are also a major issue.
