Is Your Holiday Tech Cyber-Safe? 5 Quick Checks to Do Before Christmas Morning

The holidays are one of the most exciting times of the year — especially when it comes to new technology. Phones, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, and smart devices are some of the most popular gifts under the tree.

But here’s something most people don’t realize:

👉 Brand-new tech is often the least secure tech.

Before your family starts downloading apps, signing in, and connecting devices to your home network, there are a few quick steps that can make a huge difference.

Why Holiday Tech Is a Target

Cybercriminals know that during the holidays:

• people are distracted

• devices are set up quickly

• default settings are left unchanged

• kids and seniors use new tech without safeguards

That combination creates opportunity.

The good news? You can reduce risk dramatically in just a few minutes.

✅ 5 Quick Cyber-Safety Checks (10 Seconds Each)

1️⃣ Turn On Screen Locks & Tracking

Set a PIN, password, fingerprint, or face lock on every device.
Enable “Find My Device” or equivalent tracking.

Why it matters:
If a device is lost or stolen, you can lock it or wipe it remotely.

2️⃣ Secure Online Accounts

As soon as a device is set up:

• sign in with a strong, unique password

• enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Why it matters:
Many breaches don’t come from the device — they come from the accounts connected to it.

3️⃣ Change Default Passwords

Smart TVs, routers, cameras, baby monitors, and smart speakers often ship with default credentials.

Why it matters:
Default passwords are public knowledge and widely abused.

4️⃣ Enable Updates Automatically

Turn on automatic updates for:

• operating systems

• apps

• firmware

Why it matters:
Updates often patch security flaws that criminals actively exploit.

5️⃣ Set Up Parental Controls & App Limits

If children are using new devices:

• Restrict app downloads

• Limit screen time

• Control in-app purchases

Why it matters:
This protects kids from inappropriate content and unexpected charges.

Cybersecurity Is a Family Habit

You don’t need to be a technical expert to keep your family safe online.
Cybersecurity is about intentional habits, not complicated tools.

Taking a few minutes on Christmas morning can prevent months of stress later.

🔐 How CrawlTech Helps

At CrawlTech, we believe cybersecurity should be:

• practical

• understandable

• accessible

Our CrawlTechTips series is designed to help Canadians protect themselves with simple, real-world advice.

For more guides, tips, and support, visit:
👉 https://crawltech.ca

🎄 Final Thought

This holiday season, give your family peace of mind along with their new tech.

Stay safe. Stay secure. Stay joyful.

— CrawlTechTips