6 Things You Need to Know Before You Buy New Tech Gadgets

Take these steps to be “security smart” when buying technology Before you invest in new technology, especially with a new vendor or manufacturer, you need to make sure you’re not inadvertently purchasing a problem just waiting to happen. This is especially important if the devices, gadgets and systems you buy are going to be connected to your network, and ultimately to the Internet—especially if you run a business or make the hardware purchases where you work. That’s because any device that connects to the Internet is a potential entry point for hackers into your network and all your sensitive company data. Remember, for any Internet-connected device (hardware) to integrate into your operations, there is also a coordinating program (software) built into it. These types of security breaches through Internet-connected devices happens often in homes. For example, parents buy an Internet-connected baby monitor and camera for their nursery, and hackers sneak into the home’s wireless network and spy on the baby. That kind of intrusion can happen in the workplace as well. A hacker can spy into your business databases and learn about your workplace affairs. They do it the same way, by taking control of a manufacturer’s smart device via the Internet and either causing problems with the customer experience or hacking the operational systems. In one instance, some brands of self-driving cars have been hacked in demonstrations, with the hackers taking over the wheel and destination of the car! If you’re about to buy new hardware device to connect to your network, you must place security at the top of your list. Adding more Internet-connected devices increases the risk of being hacked by outsiders. When you’re about to invest in new technology that’s going to connect to your network, take a new approach that focuses on security first, and innovation second. It will be better for you in the long run. As you’re reviewing a vendor and their products (most likely through their sales rep), you need to make sure that you get more sincere-sounding reassurances: You should get their responses to your key questions in writing. If your purchase agreement comes with a written contract, you should have your vendor allow their promises of service and attention to be in the contract. That way, you have more than their word to go on.