How to Secure Smart Gadgets Before Giving Them as Gifts

December is the month of gift-giving and generosity. Whether you’re thinking of donating to a charity or surprising family members and friends with smart tech such as wearables, smart speakers or phones, keep in mind the privacy and security risks of devices that are not set up properly.

As the gift giver, especially for less tech-savvy recipients, you can play a crucial role in ensuring these gadgets are safe and ready to use. Before you wrap up that new smart gadget, take a few simple steps to secure it and protect their digital lives.

Why Smart Gadgets Pose Privacy Risks

Smart gadgets are packed with features that often rely on collecting and transmitting sensitive data. Here’s how:

Smart speakers can record conversations or store voice commands.
Wearables like fitness trackers collect health metrics and location data.
Connected home devices such as security cameras and thermostats store sensitive information that, if compromised, could expose private details or even physical vulnerabilities.

Without proper security, these devices can become entry points for cybercriminals to steal personal data or remotely control gadgets.

Steps to Secure Smart Gadgets Before Gifting

Follow these steps to ensure the smart gadgets you give are ready for safe use:

1. Change any default passwords. Most devices come with default usernames and passwords that are easy to guess. Set a strong, unique password for each.

2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). If the device supports 2FA, activate it for an added layer of protection against unauthorized access.

3. Update firmware and software. Check for and install any available updates before gifting. These updates often include critical security patches.

4. Secure the Wi-Fi network. Ensure your recipient’s home Wi-Fi network has a strong password and uses WPA3 encryption for enhanced security.

5. Review privacy settings. Configure the device to minimize data collection.

6. Turn off unnecessary features, such as location tracking, if they aren’t essential.

Gifting Pre-Loved Devices: Don’t Forget to Wipe Your Data

If you’re passing on a used device, we highly recommend erasing any personal data before gifting it. Many smart gadgets store sensitive information such as account logins, payment details, or activity logs. Leaving this data on the device could expose your personal information to others.

Here’s how you can safely prepare a used device:

Perform a factory reset to remove all personal data and restore the device to its original settings.
Unlink accounts to ensure all connected accounts, such as cloud storage and payment platforms, are removed from the device.
Remove any external storage, such as microSD cards, that may be attached to the device.
Double-check for data removal after resetting the device
Install security software: If the device allows, install a trusted security solution like Bitdefender Mobile Security for Android and iOS

Tips for Safe Use After Gifting

You can further help the recipient stay secure with these tips:

Encourage them to regularly update the device’s software to stay protected from new vulnerabilities.
Advise against connecting the gadget to public or untrusted networks, which can expose it to cyberattacks.
Recommend identity protection services such as Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection to monitor for data breaches or misuse of personal information.

Looking for the ultimate gift to secure the digital lives of your loved ones?

This holiday season, protect your family from online threats with Bitdefender. From securing your holiday shopping to safeguarding your digital moments, we’re here to keep you safe throughout the season and beyond.

Explore how Bitdefender’s award-winning security solutions can help you enjoy a worry-free and festive Christmas!