Maybe you've scratched your screen, or your device is getting sluggish. Whatever your reason for getting a new phone, tablet, or computer, there are some important steps you should take to ensure a smooth and safe transition to your new device. Without taking the proper precautions, you could put your personal and financial information at risk.
Let’s take a closer look at what you should do with your new device, as well as the one you’re replacing.
What to Do with Your New Device:
- Understand its security features. Read up on your new device so you’re aware of how to opt into critical software updates and how to set up authentication and password protection. Knowing what security settings are available will help you safeguard your sensitive information.
- Install antivirus software. While Android devices, iPhones, and Mac computers do have some built-in protection against malware, antivirus software is needed for most PCs, and recommended for other devices as well.
- Set strong passwords. Always ensure that your new device is protected with a screen lock, password, or passcode. Consider password-protecting sensitive files, folders, or documents on your device as well. When selecting a password or passcode, don't use names of pets or children, birthdates, anniversary dates, or other easy-to-guess information. Create a long password with upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and at least 2 symbols. Many devices will allow you to set up biometrics instead of a password – such as a fingerprint scan or facial scan. Biometrics allow you to access your device more quickly, and they are generally considered safer than passwords and PINs.
- Lock down privacy settings. Review the settings for apps and programs on your device and limit what they can access. Turn off location tracking for any applications that don’t need your location information. Taking control of your privacy settings will help to limit the sharing of your personal data and minimize the risk of it falling into the wrong hands.
- Establish a way to back up your data. To prevent the data on your new phone, computer, or tablet from being lost, destroyed, or damaged, it’s a good idea to review the options you have for backing it up. Whether you have an Android or Apple device, or a PC, there are numerous ways you can back up your data. While automatic cloud backups are extremely popular, there are physical backup options as well.
What to Do with Your Old Device:
- Erase it. Doing a factory reset is the best way to get your information off your old device. Erasing your data is especially important if you will be selling or trading in your device. Keep in mind that doing a factory reset will permanently wipe all your data from the device - so make sure you've transferred everything over to your new device or backed up everything using a cloud service or external drive beforehand.
- Remove any SIM cards or SD cards. While some newer devices don’t have physical SIM cards, many devices still do. When getting rid of your device, you should check to see if a physical SIM card is present, and if it is, you should remove it. SIM cards can contain personal information such as your phone number, location data, contacts, security keys, and stored text messages. Some devices also have SD card slots, so if yours does you should check to see if a physical card is present. SD cards are typically used for extra storage and can contain photos, documents, files, and more.
- Use an official trade-in program. Most major device manufacturers and wireless companies offer trade-in programs where they will give you cash or store credit for your old device. Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon all offer device trade-in programs. Because official trade-in programs typically have policies around factory wiping devices, you can be confident that your personal data will not be accessible.
- Use a certified recycling company. If your device cannot be traded-in or resold, a certified e-waste recycling service can properly do away with your device without risking your information falling into the wrong hands. You can look up e-waste recycling programs in your area, or visit popular stores like Best Buy or Staples which offer electronics recycling. It’s still a good idea to factory wipe your device and remove any SIM or SD cards before going this route.
Buying a new device is exciting, but don't forget that protecting your personal information is a top priority. Always have security in mind when setting up your new device and disposing of your old one. For more tips on keeping your sensitive information safe, visit our Security page and read the latest security-focused articles on our Blog.