How secure is your data? or even how secure is your Cyberlife? Out of 100 social media users in Uganda to date, Only 20 pay the newly introduced OTT tax in order to access social media networks. While a majority lash out to using VPNs which seem to be expensive compared to paying the tax and the remaining few discarding their social media habits back into the analog lifestyle. Your privacy could be at stake, even in a free environment, security bumps in as a quick remedy to the online black hat watchers on the wall.
In a simple quick poll! What gadgets have you got at home or at work? A smartphone? Maybe an Airtel or MTN MiFi for internet connectivity? Well, today we tell you about some of the lesser-known bits of kit that are worth tricking out in your area code. Covering every single bit of what could keep you secure on the internet to enjoy uninterrupted super fast internet speeds. Put these 5 gadgets on your shopping list the next time you’re working through your personal electronics budget
Network attached drive (NAS)
A Network Attached Drive, or NAS, is a box holding one or more hard drives that connect directly to your router, either through an Ethernet cable or wifi. That means transfer speeds are slower than they are with the drives fitted right into your computer depending on your network speeds. However, this also implies you can get at your data from any computer or even from anywhere on the web. As an added bonus, these drives can further automatically create backup copies of entire disks in a single click without battling with an online premium cloud subscription.
If you’re not ready to trust your prestigious information with free cloud services, upgrade or else a NAS could be your saviour. Imagine If You could make your iTunes music library, or your family photo album or your lifetime of important academic papers available to every device on your home network and even get these files when you’re away from home. This is the comfort that comes in handy with a fixed NAS gadget.
In addition to real-time synchronization capabilities. NAS drives come with free software for secure access, as they also work well with a lot of third-party software, such as Dropbox or Google Drive. Although, the device may sound like a full package checks in at an alarming price. A brand new empty NAT package retails for less than $100 in dealer shops around Kampala or even online on Amazon with hard drives sold separately.
Mesh Wi-Fi routers
You may be perfectly happy with your standard WiFi or MiFi router, pumping out precious wireless internet around your area code and keeping you privately connected. But then, why not have a whole network of advanced versions dotted around, blitzing dead zones and blanketing your entire home or workplace with stable signals?
In network topologies, a mesh network represents a fully connected type prone to network failures. Therefore the main benefit of having a mesh network is, as we’ve mentioned, getting wireless internet coverage into every corner with super strong signals. Although side advantages including advanced traffic management granting extra bandwidth to the devices that need it, and (usually) cool management apps you can run on your phone. Mesh networks aren’t for everyone and every scenario, but they can make a real difference to your coverage, security and internet connection speeds.
Mesh routers aren’t the cheapest solution though. One of the biggest names in the business is Eero, and you’ll pay something like $400 for a pack of 3 2nd generation versions. Furthermore, Google also has a spot in the market and will sell you a 3-pack for less than $200 available in several Kampala tech shops or online via Jumia or Amazon.
Monitor or Laptop raiser
If you’ve got your computer set up at home or work, desktop or laptop, chances are you’re hunching too much for too many hours of the day. Get your monitor or your laptop screen up off the desk and closer to eye level with the help of a monitor riser, or a stand that lifts your entire laptop where you can see it properly for wider views.
UPS
The main job of an Uninterruptible Power Supply or UPS is to keep your computer, NAS drives and other gadgets running in the case of power blackouts. Assuming you’re in the middle of a critical OS update or you’ve got half-a-dozen unsaved files open then you’ll be glad you invested in one of these boxes similar to your smartphone’s power bank.
Your UPS will also protect against power surges ‘keeping your gadgets safe from harm. It’s essentially a huge battery that gives you a small additional window of power, and while these devices are most often used in businesses and data centers, there are plenty of reasons for you to add one to your living home setup or personal workspace for a blend of power backup.
Firewall / VPN switch
Firewall switches are composite devices that can protect you from all forms of online attacks ranging from site restrictions to Virus blockages. While the same switch doubles as a VPN connector, you wont need to crawl on free public servers but instead create a private portal centralized to your needs. You have definitely watched a Mark Zuckerberg MEME with him covering the webcam and microphone laptop ports. You won’t need to pull off any of these with your own private firewall switch right by your side.
In cyber-security, firewalls are basic gadgets providing the best security for big companies and data centers. However, you don’t need to sell the one half of your kidney just to get this affordable most secure device since its basic personal version retails for $50 or less in various dealer shops or online. Therefore, you may have a complete set of gadgets from smartphones to Mi-Fi dongles, but the above devices are some of those you would opt to rub on.
