Keeping Your Devices Secure Without a Background in Cybersecurity

Tech & Electronics Editorial Team Staff Writer · Oct 15, 2023 · 6 min read

Photo: TargetReads.com | Explore Engaging Reads editorial

Strong passwords, software updates, and a few key settings can meaningfully reduce your risk. A practical guide to everyday device security.

Key Takeaways

Software and firmware updates fix security vulnerabilities — skipping them leaves known gaps open.
Strong, unique passwords for each account are one of the most effective protections available.
Two-factor authentication significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized account access.
App permissions and privacy settings deserve a one-time review on every device you own.
Public Wi-Fi poses real risks; simple habits can limit your exposure when away from home.

Why Everyday Security Habits Matter More Than Expert Knowledge

Most device compromises don't involve sophisticated hacking. They exploit predictable gaps: outdated software, reused passwords, or permissions that were clicked through without a second thought. The good news is that plugging those gaps doesn't require technical expertise — it requires consistent, repeatable habits.

If you've recently set up a new device, you may already have encountered some of these decisions without realizing their security implications. Our guide to common gadget setup mistakes covers several overlapping pitfalls worth revisiting.

Security Is About Reducing Risk, Not Eliminating It

No single measure makes a device or account completely immune to threats. Cybersecurity is about making yourself a less easy target and limiting the damage if something does go wrong. Layering several basic practices together is far more effective than relying on any one tool or setting.

Core Practices Every Device Owner Should Follow

The following practices are grounded in widely accepted security guidance. No single step is a guarantee, but together they substantially raise the bar for anyone attempting unauthorized access to your accounts or devices.

Keep your device software and apps updated promptly.

Many cyberattacks exploit known flaws in older software versions — flaws that have already been patched in updates. Delaying updates leaves those gaps open. Security patches are often the most important part of an update, even when the release notes focus on new features.

Example: Enable automatic updates on your phone and computer so patches install in the background without requiring you to remember. For more on why this matters, see why skipping app updates can be risky.

Use a unique, strong password for every account.

Reusing passwords is one of the most common ways accounts get compromised. When one service is breached, attackers try the same credentials elsewhere — a technique called credential stuffing. Longer, randomly generated passwords are significantly harder to crack than short memorable ones.

Example: A password manager can generate and store complex passwords so you only need to remember one master password. If you're uncertain about the tradeoffs, learn how password managers actually work before dismissing them.

Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for important accounts.

Two-factor authentication requires a second verification step — usually a code sent to your phone — in addition to your password. Even if someone obtains your password, they can't access the account without that second factor. Email, banking, and social media accounts are high-priority targets.

Example: Most major platforms offer 2FA in their security or privacy settings. Setting it up takes a few minutes per account. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see setting up two-factor authentication without locking yourself out.

Review and limit app permissions on your phone.

Apps frequently request access to your location, microphone, contacts, or camera — often beyond what their function requires. Permissions you've granted in the past accumulate quietly. Reviewing them periodically reduces unnecessary data exposure.

Example: On both Android and iPhone, you can view app permissions by going to Settings and reviewing which apps have access to sensitive features like location or the microphone.

Be cautious on public Wi-Fi networks.

Open networks in cafes, airports, and hotels can be monitored by others on the same connection. Avoid logging into financial accounts or entering sensitive information over public Wi-Fi. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your connection, though services vary widely in their policies.

Example: If you regularly work remotely from public locations, using your phone's mobile hotspot instead of public Wi-Fi is a straightforward way to reduce exposure.

Secure your home network with a strong router password and updated firmware.

Your home router is the gateway for every device on your network. A default or weak router password, or outdated router firmware, can let attackers access your network without touching your devices directly. This risk is often overlooked.

Example: Log into your router's admin panel to change the default administrator credentials and check for firmware updates. For broader guidance, see practices for keeping your home network secure.

Quick Actions You Can Take Right Now

If reading a full list of practices feels overwhelming, start small. Each of the actions below takes under ten minutes and addresses a high-likelihood vulnerability for most users.

high Enable automatic software updates on your phone and computer today — check Settings > General (iPhone) or Settings > System > Software Update (Android/Windows).

high Turn on two-factor authentication for your email account, which is often the master key to your other accounts if compromised.

medium Open your phone's app permission settings and revoke location or microphone access for any app that doesn't clearly need it.

medium Change your router's default admin password if you've never done so — your router's label usually shows how to access the admin panel.

If you're newer to devices in general, the concepts here will also make more sense alongside a broader introduction. Starting with consumer gadgets as a non-tech-savvy user is a useful foundation.

A Note on Smart Devices and Privacy Settings

Smart speakers, connected home gadgets, and streaming devices introduce additional considerations. These devices often have microphones, cameras, or persistent connections to manufacturer servers. Understanding what data they collect — and what settings you can actually control — is worth a few minutes of your time.

For a detailed look at one common category, see what smart speakers hear and store. The principles apply broadly: review privacy settings on any new device when you first set it up, and revisit them after major software updates.

“Security is always excessive until it's not enough. The basics — updated software, strong passwords, multi-factor authentication — handle the vast majority of real-world threats that ordinary users face.”

— Bruce Schneier, Security technologist and author of multiple books on cybersecurity

The same mindset applies when switching phones. Transferring your data securely — rather than rushing through setup — is part of overall device hygiene. See our walkthrough on setting up a new phone without losing your old data for a step-by-step approach.

Tech & Electronics Editorial Team

TargetReads.com | Explore Engaging Reads

Tech & Electronics Editorial Team is the collective byline for our editorial team and contributor network. Articles published under this byline or an editorial pen name are researched, written, and reviewed according to our editorial standards for clarity, consistency, and independence before publication.

Gadgets & DevicesApps & SoftwareInternet & Connectivity

View author profile

The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.