Tech Tips for New Devices

Wednesday 01/03/2024

Upgrading to a new device is super exciting, but still requires some thought and planning to keep it secure. If you got a new device this holiday season, keep these tech tips in mind to keep your devices safe from cyber threats!  

  • Enable “Find my Device”  - If applicable, enable features like "Find My Device" or "Find My iPhone" to help locate your device if it's lost or stolen. Sharing your locations with others is optional; only consider sharing your device’s location with trusted individuals.  
  • Enable security features - Set up security features such as a passcode, fingerprint recognition, or facial recognition to protect your device and data. Without any type of security measure, your phone is open to anyone who can access your personal information. Remember, 1234 is not a safe password so use strong passwords to keep hackers out.  
  • Review app permissions - Check and manage app permissions to control what data and features apps can access on your device. This can include location-sharing settings access to photos, and Apple’s new “NameDrop” feature allows iPhone and Apple Watch users to easily share contact information by simply holding their phones or watches close together. By not protecting these features, you can unknowingly give out your personal information. 
  • Use a VPN or secure network - Download a VPN for cases when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks as a VPN can be used to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data from potential cyber threats. Connecting to an unsecured network and not having a VPN can leave your device vulnerable to hackers.  
  • Enable Duo Restore - To have access to your FSU accounts after getting a new device, enable Duo Restore to let you back up Duo-protected accounts for recovery to the same device or to a new device. Just go into your Duo settings to turn on this useful feature! For more tips on 2FA (duo), visit its.fsu.edu. 

Setting up a new device is the perfect opportunity to review all your settings and ensure your device is as secure as possible.