Protect your tech

1. Make sure you’re covered

You can keep your gadgets protected – wherever you are in the world – with a good insurance policy. The Tech Pack can be added to your Barclays account and includes phone and gadget cover.

It’s worth checking your home contents policy, too. Some policies cover things such as smartphones and tablets, and some don’t. You may also find that you’re covered in certain circumstances and not others – and that in some circumstances the excess could be more than the cost of replacing your device.

2. Keep track of lost/stolen devices

Tracking apps are great – and not just for stolen gadgets and phones. They’ll also help you locate a dropped or lost phone or tablet. Many models come with an app ready-loaded, but it’s worth checking to make sure it’s turned on.

If your phone or tablet is stolen, many reputable tracking apps will allow you to remotely wipe any personal data from the device to prevent your information getting into the wrong hands.

Some of the top mobile phone providers have also agreed to a £100 ‘liability cap’. This means if your phone is stolen and the thief uses it to make calls, it’ll cap out at £100 – so that’s the maximum you’ll have to pay. To make sure the liability cap is applied, you must report your phone as lost or stolen to both your mobile provider and the police within 24 hours of it going missing.

3. Make sure your security is up to date

Anti-virus software is not just for desktop PCs. Smartphones and tablets can also be attacked by computer viruses, spyware and malware. There are a number of reliable security apps available that will keep your devices secure.

Remember to download any software updates, when prompted, too – these will also help protect your device from viruses.

4. Turn Bluetooth off in public

If you’ve used Bluetooth on your phone to connect to your hands-free, remember to turn it off once you’re out of the car. Having your Bluetooth enabled in public places can leave you at risk of receiving unwanted texts and could give fraudsters access to your handset’s commands.

Keep yourself safe by switching your Bluetooth off when you don’t need to use it. Remember to never accept files sent via Bluetooth from someone you don’t know.

5. Cover the basics

Buying a quality, shock-absorbent case is one of the easiest ways of protecting any device from sudden drops or accidents. Find out if the manufacturer recommends any particular cases for your model. If your kids use your smartphone, try looking for parent reviews online to find the most robust designs on the market.