Since society has changed significantly over the past few years, I have a few suggestions for you. Here are some ways you can protect your physical items, like a bicycle, phone, or car, from theft today, electronically and physically. If you are looking for a way to protect your belongings and keep track of your loved ones, then a tracking device is a great option. I will not be mentioning any specific items, as I would suggest you check in brick-and-mortar stores or online and do your research. There are many of each of the following, some of which I have mentioned in the past. So, these are ideas for you to consider, depending on what you are looking for.
There are a variety of devices available to choose from, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget. They can be pretty easily attached to your belongings, including wallets, pocketbooks, car trunks, keys, etc. These devices will allow you to track the location of your belongings in real time, even if they are misplaced or stolen. Some popular tracking devices include Tile (tile.com), Apple Air Tags (apple.com/airtag), and Samsung Galaxy Smart Tags (ghtech.site/galaxy-tags).
There are also a number of anti-theft apps available that can be installed on your phone, or other devices. These apps can be used to track your devices, lock them remotely, and even wipe their data if they are stolen. Some popular anti-theft apps include Find My iPhone (apple.com/icloud/find-my), Android Device Manager (google.com/android/find), and Prey (preyproject.com).
2FA, or Two-Factor Authentication, is an additional layer of security that can be added to your online accounts. When you use 2FA, you will be required to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password when you log in to your accounts. That way, if someone already has your password, this makes it highly unlikely that they can hack into your account. They are not available everywhere, but most larger companies offer it. Consider Passkeys too, which I wrote about recently.
Next, and this is mental on our part, be careful what information you share online. Criminals will use the information that you share online. Such as your home address, phone number, children’s names, schools they go to, sports you and they participate in, work places, and when you are going on vacation, to target you for theft. Of course, your SSN, and bank account information are highly important, but you should already know that; there are many more. Be careful about what information you share online, and make sure that your social media profiles are set to private or friends only.
Not techie, but you should be aware when you are out and about. Be mindful of your surroundings and take steps to protect yourself and your belongings. If you are going to leave your bike or car unattended, make sure that it is locked in a secure location. And if you are carrying your phone with you, keep it in a secure pocket or bag.
Be Careful!
Here are some additional tips. Check with your insurance company about your belongings. I have read that you should register your belongings with the police. Moreover, you should take video of your home and its belongings, inside and out. I found this out during a recent hailstorm that did a lot of damage to my home. This will make it easier for the police to recover your belongings if they are stolen and for your insurance company to help you recover from theft or accidents.
One thing that I did several years ago was to install video cameras in, and around my home. I have never had to use them for anything other than to watch my dog dance around the house when we are away. But if needed, it could help significantly.
Use any or all of these tips you feel are necessary, as they may provide you with help when needed. Be vigilant, as not everyone is as nice as you.
