5 Bad IT Habits and How To Break Them
We could all do a little better when it comes to our technology, whether it’s thinking before you click, or ensuring our software is updated. Today, we’ve rounded up the worst tech habits and how you can break them today. Many of them simply require you to slow down, take in what is happening on your screen and think before you react or respond to it.
1. Stop clicking ‘Yes’ and ‘Okay’ without reading what you’re agreeing to.
Our lives are fast-paced, with most of us wanting to get to the next step as quickly as possible – and we’ll agree to anything just to get there.
When setting up applications, new machines and services, take the time to digest what you’re doing. Slow down and avoid getting click happy, pressing ‘Yes‘, ‘Okay‘ and ‘I Agree‘ to everything that pops up in your way.
We understand that not many people have the time – or the stamina – to read every word of the T&Cs, but it is important to understand what you’re signing up to and how this could impact your business.
2. Stop avoiding updates.
One of the most commonly dismissed pop-ups are software updates – you know, that one you’ve been meaning to install for weeks, maybe months?
Bear in mind there is a reason for the update. Service providers and app developers use updates to fight off the latest viruses, fix bugs that could affect your productivity and generally improve their offering to you.
So, next time your anti-virus needs updating, do it as soon as you can.
Hey, you could always grab a cuppa whilst you wait.
3. Stop turning off Two-Factor Authentication.
Yes, TF and MF Authentication can be a bit tedious.
It’s annoying when all you want to do is check your inbox but instead, you have to dig out your mobile phone and grab a 6-digit security code.
However, we can’t stress enough how important this security feature is when protecting yourself against hackers.
If you really hate hunting through your text messages for additional passcodes, try an app like Google Authenticator or Authy – these apps keep all of your codes in one place, generating new combinations every few minutes.
4. Do check your backups – and definitely set them up.
It’s all well and good setting up backups, but how do you know that everything is working the way it should?
What happens when you find out in a few months – or even a year – that none of your files have been backed up correctly, or that they have been corrupted?
Unfortunately, this does happen…
Regularly checking your backups every few weeks means there’s less room for error and, if you do spot something wrong, you can nip it in the bud there and then.
On this note, please don’t avoid setting up backups entirely. Too many people believe they don’t need them or that using a cloud storage product like Google Drive, DropBox or OneDrive is enough – it really isn’t.
5. Do think before you click.
Phishing scammers are becoming increasingly sneaky, masquerading as your bank, HMRC and PayPal. They create a sense of urgency so many users panic and hastily send across sensitive information, such as login details, card numbers and passwords.
Before you click that urgent link – or send across private data – think to yourself: ‘Is this email legitimate?’, ‘Is it a phishing email?’ and ‘Am I being scammed?’.