Your smart devices need an update on a regular basis. That’s important to keep your devices safe. This prevents internet criminals from viewing your photos and data, for example. There are some misunderstandings about doing updates, such as that it would be automatic. In this article we list some of those misunderstandings for you.
What are smart devices?
Smart devices are devices that are connected to the Internet. You probably soon think of the smartphone, the laptop or perhaps the smart doorbell. But there are many more smart devices, such as:
- router
- Printer
- Smart Security Camera
- Smart thermostat
- Smart TV
- smart speakers
- baby monitor
- smart home
- smart doorbell
- smart fridge
This is a selection of the most commonly used smart devices, a complete list can be found on this website.
Smart devices at home?
Do you have smart devices at home, such as a smart doorbell or smart thermostat? Prevent a hack, do the Update-Check. Read here how you can update your smart devices step by step.
Misconception 1: Updating smart devices is automatic
Most updates require a manual approach. This means that you will receive a message asking you to perform the update. You can check if the automatic update is already set up by looking at the settings. You can read here how to do that.
Your smart device may not have the option to set up automatic updates and/or you may not be notified that an update is ready to run. Then you will have to check and perform the updates yourself. Because this is often forgotten, we have a handy tip: put a notification in your calendar for the first day of each quarter. This way you don’t forget to make important updates and your smart devices are always well protected.
Misconception 2: Updating my smartphone and laptop is enough
As you can see from the list above, there are tons of smart devices on the market. You probably have more smart devices at home than you think. All devices that are connected to the internet and are not properly secured can be an entrance for cyber criminals to get to your data and photos. In some cases they can even watch or listen in. That is why it is important to make a list of all the smart devices you have at home and to check whether you can update them automatically or whether they need a manual update.
Misconception 3: I always get a notification when my device needs an update
There are a number of devices, such as the smart speakers or the smart doorbell, that often notify you of major updates that need to be done. Do you get that message? Immediately before the update. In most cases, you will then need to restart your device.
Unfortunately, not all devices give a notification when they need an update. For example printers and scanners, or your router or alarm system: you will have to check yourself whether the software is still up-to-date. How do you do that? You can read that here.
In collaboration with the national government.
Source: doejeupdates.nl
