10 Ways To Protect Your Data On Iot Devices

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Privacy concerns are a hot topic in the cybersecurity community at the moment. The number of data breaches and other hacks is continuously increasing, and users aren’t always familiar with the best cybersecurity practices. However, protecting your IoT devices doesn’t have to be so complicated. Taking a couple of precautionary measures can increase your security level by tenfold. In this article, we will share our top ten tips on how to protect your data on IoT devices. Let’s start.

Image byGerd AltmannfromPixabay

Use an Antivirus

If you don’t use an antivirus by now, then what are you waiting for? These software solutions have been around for a while now, carefully protecting everyone’s IoT devices regularly. Every digital device should use an antivirus, especially when connected to the internet. Antivirus is the first line of defense, and it will detect and remove any potential threats. We recommend performing weekly or bi-weekly scans to ensure that your devices aren’t compromised.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication is a practice where the users need to go through two verification steps before they can access their device or account. While regular passwords are usually secure, they are still vulnerable to hacking attempts. However, when you combine the traditional login process with another verification option, the chances of getting hacked will decrease significantly. The most common forms of 2FA include fingerprint scans, security questions, email or phone number verifications, and facial recognition.

Use Anti-Spyware Software

Anti-spyware software is similar to antiviruses, however, some key differences set them apart. Antivirus software is a tool that was designed to block, detect, and remove viruses from digital devices. Anti-spyware, on the other hand, aims to detect a specific set of threats – spyware. You can find a lot of anti-spyware options on the market, such as Malwarebytes or ADW Cleaner. But, a lot of today’s antivirus suits come with anti-spyware software, so make sure to check whether your antivirus provider also offers dedicated anti-spyware tools.

Generate Strong Passwords

This tip is widely-known and always talked about. However, some still don’t take it seriously. Using strong passwords is one of the most effective ways of ensuring that your accounts and digital devices are safe. If you use a weak password, hackers can crack it in a matter of hours . However, if you create a strong password that includes numbers, symbols, and uppercase and lowercase letters, it would require decades to successfully crack. You can use Google’s password manager to generate strong passwords or other third-party options.

Use a Password Manager to Store Passwords

This point goes hand-in-hand with the previous one. Password managers usually offer the feature to create and save strong passwords for the user. Moreover, password managers are a great tool to ensure that you’re protected from any keylogger software. Keylogger software tracks all keystrokes and sends that data back to hackers. Then, they can reverse-engineer what you typed to extract credit card data, login credentials, etc. Password managers store all your passwords in a single place, and when users want to sign in to their account, the password manager enters the credentials automatically. That means that you don’t have to type your passwords. Hence, no keylogging software will be able to track your keystrokes.

Privacy concerns regarding social media have been a hot topic in the cybersecurity world for a while now. While it is interesting and fun to share photos and other stuff with their friends and followers, users often don’t think about potential risks. First and foremost, someone can use social media to track your location. If that’s not dangerous enough, then malicious actors can also use the information you post to get into your accounts. Social media often contains private information, such as dates of birth, pet names, family name, etc. And, most security questions require this information for a password reset, for example. So, be careful with what you post, otherwise, someone might take advantage of it.

Use a VPN

What is a VPN, though? VPN is a great tool that allows users to browse the web safely and securely. It acts as an additional layer of security between the user and the web. VPNs disguise the user’s location by assigning them a new IP address. It also encrypts all traffic that goes through the user’s device. Using a VPN is especially important when using public Wi-Fi. These are extremely prone to man-in-the-middle attacks, and using a VPN will ensure that you don’t fall victim to these exploits. Plus, all your internet searches will be hidden from your internet service provider.

Don’t Connect to Public Wi-Fi

We have briefly mentioned how dangerous it can be to connect to public Wi-Fis. They host a large number of digital devices at the same time, which makes them a perfect target for hackers. There are many ways how malicious actors can use these connections to hurt users. Some of those include man-in-the-middle attacks, snooping, sniffing, etc. However, we understand that sometimes, using public Wi-Fi is the only option. If so, then make sure to enable a VPN on your IoT devices before connecting to the public network.

Educate Yourself on Potential Scams

Hackers are always looking for new ways to exploit users. They frequently come up with new scams and social engineering methods to target unknowing individuals. On the bright side, a large number of these scams have certain things in common. So, by educating yourself on potential red flags, you would significantly reduce the chance of getting exploited. You can find various cybersecurity news websites, where they often post information about recently discovered scams. Make sure to check them out from time to time.

Never Download Files from Untrusted Sources

Third-party software download websites can be a double-edged sword. While you can find some reliable, secure, third-party service providers, many of them are fake. Because the demand for cracked software is high, hackers have decided to set up fake websites offering users to download these files for free. The catch is that they place these installation files with malware or spyware,which runs in the background. So, when the user installs the file, it will infect their devices. As a precaution, always make sure to research the third-party website before agreeing to download anything.

Author:Content Partner

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Xiaomi runs a tight ship and has created a strong market appeal over the years by providing more affordable options to products by the competition with its Mi range of phones. Even more interesting is the fact that it has a budget sub-brand, Redmi, that manufactures even more pocket-friendlier devices. And then there is Poco, another sub-brand, but we are not here to analyse Xiaomi today. A Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro vs Mi Note 10 Lite comparison of specs, features, and prices is why we are here.

The Mi Note 10 Lite and Redmi Note 9 Pro are two smartphones from the same parent company – call them cousins, if you please. Both of these smartphones offer superb value for money and are almost untochable in their class by anything the rest of the competition has to offer.

What are the differences between these two mid-range devices? Do they share any similarities besides having the same blood and DNA?

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro vs Mi Note 10 Lite: The Preamble

Both devices have multiple variants, but for the puspose of this comparison, we are taking their base models – the ones with 6GB RAM and 64 GB storage memory. Doing this allows us compare the value they offer on an even footing .

Our contenders are ready. We are ready. You are ready. Let’s do this.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro vs Mi Note 10 Lite comparison

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro vs Mi Note 10 Lite: Quick Specs Comparison

First up is our quick comparison table so you can view the similarities and distinguishing differences of the two devices at a glance.

As you have seen from the above table, these two devices share a lot of similarities: they have the same camera specs on both the front and the rear, they have the same RAM, they have the same storage, almost the same screen resolutions, and almost the same processsors. Yes; the Snapsdragon 720G and 730G are almost the same chips, yet distinctive in at least one key way. We shall come back to that later though.

Of course, the two Xiaomi phones have some notable differences on their build, displays, processors, and batteries.

Where Redmi Note 9 Pro has the edge

The Redmi Note 9 Pro’s display is significantly bigger than the Mi Note 10’s. There are lots of people who prefer larger mobile screens, so that is an advantage. Never mind that it means the Redmi has a lower pixel density. It is is still a solid density and is sharp.

While the Snapdragon 720G sounds like a less powerful processor next to the 730G, because of the numbering, it is essentially a 730G but with better power management. Which means that the Redmi Note 9 Pro will deliver better battery life despite its slightly smaller battery. Reviewers who have tested both phones corroborate this, so it isn’t just a technical deduction.

If you like the idea of being able to add extra memory to your smartphone should you need it, the Redmi beats the Mi Note 10 Lite here. The latter does not have a card slot, but the Redmi Note 9 Pro has a dedicated memory card slot. You don’t even have to sacrifice a SIM card.

Where Mi Note 10 Lite has the edge

The first visible advantage of the Mi Note 10 Lite is that it has an aluminium build. The Redmi is plastic. I will take aluminium any day. It just feels cooler. Of course, that makes t the heavier of the two devices.

Next, the curved AMOLED display on the Mi Note 10 Lite is a sure attraction. AMOLED means darker blacks and better contrast. If you have ever placed two devices with IPS LCD and AMOLED displays respectively side-by-side, the difference is clear. And curved displays just give off a cooler vibe than flat ones.

The 5260mAh battery is bigger, but as I have already explained, it is let down by the bigger power drain of the Snapdragon 730G chipset, so that doesn’t hold as an advantage. What is better is the fact that you have 33W fast charging here. It isn’t much faster than the 30W fast charge of the Redmi Note 9 Pro, but faster is faster.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro vs Mi Note 10 Lite: Who wins?

Both devices have Gorilla Glass 5 protection on them, both on the front and at the back. They share the very same camera specs.

The Redmi has a punch hole for the selfie camera, while the Mi Note 10 Lite has a waterdrop notch. Which do you prefer? Your call.

In terms of performance, both phones are pretty much at par. Any performance differences between the processors powering them are minimal. The Redmi Note 9 Pro wins in terms of battery life though. And it scores a strong goal in terms of externmal memory.

If you love gorgeous displays, the curved AMOLED panel of the Mi Note 10 Lite will draw you like a moth to a flame. And the aluminium frame gives it a more premium look and feel.

Sigh. This Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro vs Mi Note 10 Lite comparison is a tough one. We are looking at essentially the same device with minor modifications and adjustments here and there that are just enough to have you wondering which to buy.

The deciding factor might eventually come down to price. The Redmi Note 9 Pro is significantly cheaper than the Mi Note 10 Lite, which makes the former much better value for money. You get the same performance and similar features as the Mi Note 10 Lite for much less. If you can afford to spend almost $300 though and want better build and display, the Note 10 Lite calls to you.

And so we have come to the end of our Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro vs Mi Note 10 Lite face off. We do not dare say that there is a clear winner here. You simply must decide which of these two mid-range power Android phones you prefer. Whichever you choose will not leave you wanting.

PS : The Redmi has a 6GB + 128GB variant, while the Mi has two other variants – one with 6GB + 128GB and the other with 8GB + 128GB. At all levels, the Mi Note 10 Lite is the more expensive of the two phones.

Author:Mister Mobility

Digital Skills and Communication Coach | Mobile Phone Connoisseur since 2001 | Tech Blogging since 2004