Protecting your tech at home

Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean you can't protect against it

Secure your wireless network. Wireless security has been a hot topic in the tech community for some time. The majority of router manufacturers rely on the end user to configure the security, resulting in an enormous number of insecure wireless networks. It's not uncommon for a household with an insecure network to rack up charges in excess of $1000, simply because their Wi-Fi wasn't secure. Only recently have some manufacturers realised this and started shipping units with the security already enabled. But if you don't have this enabled already, make sure your wireless network is secure before it's too late.

Watch out for surges. From stolen equipment to stuff fried by power surges, not many good things happen when lightning is around. If you've never had anything die from a surge it's mostly underwhelming. Either the device just doesn't turn on, or you hear a little pop and see a little puff of smoke as the life is kicked out of it. Surge protection is often mistaken with safety switches and overload switches. The latter protect you from electrocuting yourself, but not from electrical surges or spikes. When purchasing surge protection there are a few things to check; is there a replacement warranty for the board? Is there a connected equipment warranty? If so, how much is it? Is there a data recovery warranty for connected computers? Belkin Gold Series Surge Boards answer these questions with lifetime replacement, unlimited connected equipment, and data recovery warranties included in the purchase cost of the board.

Keep viruses at bay. Not having a good internet security suite (or one at all for that matter!), opens up your computer to viruses and malware that can render you computer useless. Making sure you have an up-to-date antivirus, keeps all those unwanted nasties out. We recommend McAfee Internet Security to keep your computer safe.

Be smarter than the thieves that run away with your gear

The only thing worse than having your laptop or desktop stolen is realising that it wasn't the laptop itself that you were concerned about losing, but rather the documents, family photos and home videos. That's where the real value is, the irreplaceable memories.

Back up. We keep talking about it, because it really is that important. Think about one of these backup solutions. Offline backup typically consists of a USB hard drive attached to your computer and some software to backup your important files. This sort of backup is fine for most home setups. Online backups are when your computer uploads your important files to a secure server off-site for safe storage. This is a very reliable solution and really depends on how much data you have and how critical it is. Online backup is typically subscription-based.

DataDots. Using hundreds of discs about 1mm in size and a UV reactive adhesive, DataDots mark your valuables with a unique serial number which is registered in a national database along with your passport or drivers license number. Once located, police only need to find 1 dot on the item to make a successful identification. Once the item is identified as yours, you can get it back! Phew. This is the cheapest of all solutions at only $30 a kit.

Prevent thieves getting into your house in the first place

This isn't really our point of expertise, so we've asked The Buzz Car and Home Insurance (a great home contents insurer) for some pointers on how to keep your home safe from thieves.

If you need help implementing any of these (before summer hits and you're off working on your tan), call us.