Advanced DIY Privacy for Every Woman
  • Introduction
  • Before we start
  • 1 - Identify your security risks
  • Security areas to prioritise
  • 2- Document security violations
  • Safety and security strategies
  • Securing a mobile phone or a tablet
  • FAQ on mobile phones
  • Securing your laptop/other connected devices?
  • 3 - Securing your connections
  • 4 - Securing your apps, software and internet services
  • 5 - Browsing the web
  • Social engineering and phishing
  • Internet browser, search engine and passwords
  • IP address, WIFI and emails
  • Social media: what to pay attention to!
  • Facebook, Twitter, Google, Foursquare
  • Apps and internet enabled apps
  • Online banking, billing account and other accounts
  • Protection measures
  • 6 - Documenting privacy violations
  • Voice calls and keeping a diary
  • 7 - Advanced security resources
  • Anti-virus, Firewall and Spyware
  • Secure internet browsing
  • Authentification
  • Encryption
  • Deleting your information
  • 8 - Glossary
  • How we put this guide together
  • Final words
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  • How to secure your laptop?
  • How to secure other connected devices

Securing your laptop/other connected devices?

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Last updated 7 years ago

How to secure your laptop?

A portable computer.

Information also applicable to Desktop PCs.

VULNERABILITIES

  1. Passwords: It is likely your social media and email passwords have been saved on the laptop.

  2. Plug-ins

  3. Spyware

  4. Find My Device Apps

  5. Unauthorised access to file storage

  6. Tracking apps

  7. Mobile (bug)

  8. Webcam: Hacking into a webcam is common and can lead to an abuser recording you without your knowledge. The webcam could be recording even if its light isn’t on.

ACTIONS

  1. Change all passwords.

  2. Two-factor authentication (see References)

  3. Encrypt the hard disk so only you may access it.

  4. Don’t share your laptop with anyone you don’t completely trust.

  5. Ensure there is no malware or spyware on your laptop (see and ).

  6. Update your antivirus software regularly (). Most antivirus softwares have an ‘auto-update’ option.

  7. Cover your webcam lens with tape, a removable sticker or piece of paper at all times.

High threat level: If you know or suspect that your laptop has been tampered with by the attacker, do not use it straight away. Do not connect it to the internet and run installed malware programs to check for tracking or bugging software. The best way to be safe is to wipe the laptop (see more under References). Only use laptops you fully trust (i.e. those belonging to people you trust).

How to secure other connected devices

Playstation, PSP, XBox, Wii, etc.

VULNERABILITIES

  1. Chat function (Abusers can chat with you/your child pretending to be someone else.)

  2. Video chat function (Many consoles have access to a webcam.)

  3. Geotagging photos (This can show your home location.)

  4. Some multi-player games can allow players to gain access to your IP address.

ACTIONS

  1. Enable parental controls. (They will not be automatically switched on.)

  2. Deny access to webcam on consoles.

  3. Don’t use an identifiable username.

  4. Don’t upload photos.

  5. Teach kids that use your console about gaming safety especially regarding online conversations during games.

High threat level: Get rid of your gaming device

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