As our lives become more digitally connected, the risk of cyber threats—from phishing and identity theft to the growing concern of cryptocurrency theft—is more prevalent than ever. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is the perfect time to boost your online defenses with the right gadgets and strategies to keep your information safe. Today, we’re diving into four must-have tools that can protect your personal data, finances, and digital assets. 

Trezor Hardware Wallet

Price: Starting at $79

Owning cryptocurrency opens a world of opportunity and wealth, but it comes with risks like any other technology - mostly in the form of hacking or losing it. And, keeping cryptocurrency on an exchange means it's not really yours. The only way to make it truly yours is to keep your own wallet - sort of like becoming your own bank. Que Trezor: It's a hardware wallet and the most secure way to hold cryptocurrency. Trezor invented the hardware wallet over a decade ago and has been making them ever since. No wonder they are the most trusted name in the business. Their wallets are secure and very user-friendly.

What a wallet does is it stores their so-called "private keys", which you can think of as a password to accessing and using your cryptocurrency. The good thing about this is that it means that if you lose your wallet, you don't lose your cryptocurrency. It also means that if someone steals it, they can't access your cryptocurrency because only you know how to access it (usually through another passphrase). 

One thing I really liked, they offer a concierge service where users can connect with one of their dedicated experts through a private, secure call—similar to Apple's Geniuses. In an hour-long session, the expert guides users step by step through setting up their Trezor wallet. While their wallets are designed to be user-friendly, they recognize that beginners may have questions or uncertainties, so they created this service to provide extra confidence. Their experts are also available to answer any questions about Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, offering both simple explanations and in-depth insights.  

Security Key C NFC by Yubico

Price: $29

Relying solely on passwords for online security is a thing of the past. With so much of our lives online, it's important to stay on top of cybersecurity habits. A recent study from Yubico found that 39% of people still think a username and password combo is the most secure, even though it’s a leading cause of account breaches.

The good news? Yubico’s YubiKey offers an easy solution. It adds an extra layer of protection, so even if a hacker gets your password, they can’t log in without the physical key. It’s simple to use: plug the key into your device or tap it against your phone to log into services like Google, Facebook, and even banking apps. 

It’s one of the best ways to secure your most important accounts—social media, banking, email, and more keeping hackers out and your info safe.

Pro tip: Always keep a backup YubiKey stored in a safe place to avoid being locked out of your accounts in case your primary key is lost or damaged.

  
Targus 4Vu Privacy Screen

Price: Starting at $30 (Targus is offering CBS LA viewers a special 25% discount on all Targus Privacy Screens purchased at Targus.com, from Oct. 1-15. Enter promo code: PRIV25 at checkout)

It’s not just cyber threats you have to worry about—sometimes, threats come from right next to you. Have you ever been in a public space like a coffee shop or on a flight and noticed someone glancing at your laptop screen? That’s visual hacking, and the Targus 4Vu™ Privacy Screen is the perfect solution.

This simple yet effective screen filter darkens your display from side angles, so only you can see what’s on it. Whether you’re handling sensitive work documents, managing financial accounts, or browsing online, the privacy screen ensures that no one around you can peek at your private information.

Pro tip: Measure your screen size before purchasing a privacy filter to ensure it fits perfectly and provides the best coverage.

Mission Darkness Dry Shield Faraday Sleeves

Price: Starting at $23 (available in phone, tablet, and laptop sizes)

For maximum protection against remote tracking, hacking, or even government surveillance, the Mission Darkness Dry Shield Faraday Sleeves are your go-to tool. These faraday sleeves are designed to block all incoming and outgoing wireless signals, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and even cellular connections.

Whether you’re traveling, handling sensitive information, or just want to prevent your device from being tracked, these TitanRF™ Faraday fabric liner provides radio frequency (RF) shielding and device isolation, protecting against unauthorized wireless access and interference.  They’re also waterproof and weatherproof, making them great for outdoor use or travel. Simply place your smartphone, laptop, or tablet inside the sleeve, and you’ll block all radio frequency signals.

Pro tip: Use the Faraday sleeve when not using your phone for an extra layer of protection against tracking, especially while traveling or when handling private data.

Additional Tips for Staying Safe Online

While these gadgets help keep your digital life secure, it’s important to adopt additional practices to protect yourself from online threats:

• Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. A password manager can help you generate and store complex passwords securely.

• Regularly Update Software: Keep your devices, browsers, and apps updated with the latest security patches. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software.

• Watch for Phishing Attempts: Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages that request personal information. Always verify the source before clicking any links or downloading attachments.

Protecting Your Cryptocurrency: Why It Matters

As cryptocurrencies gain mainstream traction, they’ve become a prime target for cybercriminals. Hackers have become more sophisticated, employing methods like phishing scams and malware to steal digital assets directly from online wallets or exchanges. In fact, over $3.8 billion in cryptocurrency was stolen in 2022 alone.

That’s why using hardware wallets like the Trezor Safe 5 is crucial. By keeping your private keys offline, it reduces the risk of online attacks and ensures that your crypto investments stay secure. Whether you’re a casual investor or deep into the crypto space, don’t take shortcuts when it comes to securing your assets.