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Every connected device is a door. Closing the ones you don't need, patching the ones you do, and keeping clean backups makes you dramatically harder to hurt.
Harden networked devices
Follow the manufacturer's hardening guide for anything on the network — printers, lab instruments, IoT, servers. Open only the ports and protocols you actually need.
- Change default admin passwords immediately.
- Disable services and ports you don't use.
- Keep FirmwareWhat it means: Software built into hardware such as routers, cameras, and smart devices.Example: A router update that closes a newly discovered flaw.What to do: Enable automatic firmware updates, or check for them every few months.Important: A smart device that no longer gets firmware updates should be replaced.What does this mean? and OS patched automatically.
- Run anti-malware that updates and scans on a schedule.
Back up — and test the backups
A BackupWhat it means: An additional copy of information that can be restored if the original is lost, damaged, or encrypted.Example: An external drive copy plus a cloud copy of your photos.What to do: Keep one copy disconnected, and test restoring a single file so you know it works.Important: Ransomware encrypts backups that stay permanently connected.What does this mean? you've never restored is a hope, not a plan. Keep at least one copy offline or off-network so RansomwareWhat it means: Malware that locks or encrypts information and demands payment.Example: Your files renamed and a payment note left on the screen.What to do: Keep a backup that is disconnected or version-protected so you can restore instead of pay.Important: Paying often does not return your files — disconnect and report it.What does this mean? can't reach it, and verify restores regularly.
- Follow 3-2-1: 3 copies, 2 media, 1 offsite/offline.
- Disconnect at least one backup from the primary network.
- Test a full restore on a schedule — not just during an incident.
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Unfamiliar term? Open the Digital Safety Glossary