Last updated: December 1, 2025
The holiday season brings joy, giving, and excitement for new gadgets. But with these new devices comes the responsibility of securing them to protect your privacy and personal information.
Before You Unbox: Securing Your Home Network
This year, consider making December 27th “Un-Boxing Day.” Incorporate a cyber-safe holiday tradition into your festivities by prioritizing cybersecurity alongside the fun of unpacking new gadgets.
The first step is securing your home Wi-Fi network, as your new devices will rely on it for internet access. Here's how:
- Secure Router Location: Place your Wi-Fi router centrally in your home for optimal coverage.
- Unique Login Credentials: Change the default username and password of your router to something unique and complex.
- Guest Network: Create a separate guest network for visitors and smart devices to isolate them from your main network.
Setting Up Your New Device Securely
Once your home network is secure, it's time to focus on the new devices. By taking the time to set them up securely, you'll protect yourself and anyone receiving the device as a gift.
- Strong Passwords & PINs: Avoid using personal information, birthdays, or easily guessed words. Opt for strong passwords with a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Alternatively, create a strong passphrase using four or more random words.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enable MFA for an extra layer of security. MFA requires a second verification step, like a push notification sent to your phone, to access your accounts. It's one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access.
- Anti-Virus Protection: Install reliable antivirus software to safeguard your devices against malware.
- Password Manager: Manage all your passwords, new and old, securely using a password manager.
- Privacy Settings: Review the privacy policies and terms of use for each device. This allows you to adjust your privacy settings if necessary.
- Auto-Lock: Enable auto-lock on your devices to automatically secure them after a period of inactivity.
Going the Extra Mile for Security
Here are some additional security measures to consider:
- Camera Cover: Use a camera cover for devices with built-in cameras for added privacy.
- Bluetooth: Disable Bluetooth when not in use to prevent unauthorized connections.
- Public Wi-Fi: Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks unless absolutely necessary. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added security.
- Software Updates: Always install operating system and software updates as soon as they become available. These updates often include critical security patches.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure your new devices are secure throughout the holiday season and beyond.