5 Technology Resolutions

It’s a new year, which means New Year’s resolutions are on the minds of many. Whether or not you enjoy making New Year’s resolutions, here is some sound advice to make your technology experience better that you can use at any time of year.

1. Start using a password manager

At its simplest, a password manager is software that stores your passwords, logins, and other sensitive information securely behind a single master password. The idea is that you only need to remember that master password, and then you can look up all your unique and complex passwords (which some services will even generate automatically) for the plethora of websites and online services that you need to access.

Most password managers are online in the cloud, so you can access your passwords from anywhere. Additionally, many come with browser plugins that autofill login information, as well as generate 2-factor authentication codes. These take a little bit of effort to setup, but once they are up and running you never have to worry about losing that sticky note under the keyboard ever again.

2. Make good passwords

Speaking of strong passwords, make this the year that you create good strong passwords. One way of creating a strong password that is also easy to remember is to take a sentence that means something to you, use the first letter of each word, add a number, and add a special character. For instance, I could take the first line of George Orwell’s 1984 and have a strong password that weighs in at 16 characters: IwabcdiAatcws13$

Another method you can use is to pick four objects in your vicinity and use that as a password. While it sounds simple, it takes a long time to for someone else to guess. For instance, right now based on what I can see around me a password might be LampPaintingComputerStapler. Since most services also require at least one number and special character, I might modify that to Lamp1Painting#Computer$Stapler3. Both methods are recommended by GetCyberSafe.ca.

3. Turn on 2-Factor Authentication wherever it is offered

2-Factor Authentication (2FA) is when in addition to your username and password another piece of information proving you are you is required for you to login to a particular online service. Often, a 6-digit code is sent to your email, mobile device, or authenticator app to complete the login. This works on the principle that even if a bad guy has your login information, they are less likely to also have access to your email or phone. 2FA isn’t infallible, but it does provide an extra layer of security that all but the most determined scammers will not bother trying to thwart.

Not all 2FA is created equal. The most robust 2FA uses an authenticator app to generate codes and prompt for additional login information. Other forms of 2FA such as emailed codes and text messages aren’t as secure but are better than nothing.

4. Pause before you share

The proliferation of AI generated content and deep fakes mixed with a long tradition of the usual charlatanism means it is more important than ever to examine the information you are sharing with a skeptical eye. Does what you’re about to hit share on make you feel scared or upset or angry? Does it seem like it must be too good, strange, or unbelievable to be true? Is it trying to get you to buy something? If so, then it deserves a second look before sharing. Verify the information you share using reliable and reputable resources, and when in doubt just don’t share at all.

5. Plan your technology purchases to reduce waste and save money

E-waste continues to be a growing problem in Canada and around the world. International groups such as the United Nations and World Health Organization dedicate some of their work to research and bring awareness to both the human and environmental costs of e-waste. You can help reduce your impact by ensuring that you plan technology purchases carefully.

Make sure what you’re buying is suitable for what you need so that you avoid overspending on something you don’t need, but don’t underspend and miss out on something you do need. Check what options the manufacturer has for recycling and buying back older equipment and assess how reparable the item is that you’re purchasing. Try to make a plan for what you will do with your old devices, such as passing them along to friends and family or selling them if they are still reasonably up to date.

Learn more

Correction log

This column was very much an amalgam of stuff I've already written. If you go back to some of my previous columns you can check out the links there:

How not to get scammed and other skills for modern life.

The Right to Repair

Watch out for Scams

Information moves fast but we don't have to

A very expensive brick

It's more expensive than you think

Nothing here yet.