McAfee Reveals Simple Safety Tips for Securing New Internet Connected Devices This Holiday Season

From the hottest new tablet to sleek smartphones and laptops, electronic devices are likely at the top of many consumers' holiday wish lists this year. Many lucky recipients will without warning load personal data, contact information, photos, and entertainment files onto their new toys, eager to enjoy them suddenly.

Recent global survey

In a recent global survey, home Internet users estimated that their digital assets, just as photos, contacts, and entertainment, were worth in broad outline $37,000. In North America, people valued their assets at a higher figure than anywhere else, at near $55,000.

2. If you have a new Apple computer or device, including an iPad or iPhone, transfer your PC best practices to your new Apple product.

Proactive measure

As a proactive measure, consider installing security software that's been developed for the Mac since more threats are being aimed at this platform. Check out Apple's new iCloud service, which provides tools for syncing, backing up and securing data. Use the native security settings on your new device to require a passcode to access the device.

Your security software should include at a minimum: real-time anti-virus, a two-way firewall, anti-spyware, anti-phishing and safe search capabilities. Additional levels of protection include anti-spam, parental controls, wireless network protection, and anti-theft protection that encrypts sensitive financial documents.

Common area

Keep your computer in a common area and discuss which information is appropriate to share online and which is not, just as addresses, phone numbers, and other private information. Be aware that if your children are surfing the web, they may not be as prudent when clicking on unknown links and sites, potentially increasing the risk of threats.

8. If you or your child has a new gaming or entertainment device, remember that these devices are now Internet-connected and vulnerable to many of the same threats as PCs.

Consider mobile malware threat protection, not only to protect against viruses and for safe mobile surfing, however to as well safeguard privacy after all of loss or theft. Should the contingency arise, for the many consumers who own multiple devices, McAfee® All Access is a simple and cost-effective solution for protecting a wide range of Internet connected devices on different platforms.

McAfee is the first company to provide protection for all of a consumer's digital devices-from smartphones and tablets to laptops and PCs - for one price. McAfee All Access costs $99.99 for individuals and $149.99 for the household version. This represents a substantial cost-savings-as much as $200-when compared to the cost of individual security and data protection for multiple devices. Free lifetime support available 24 hours a day is as well included. Check out www.mcafee.com/allaccess to learn more.

H3O CommunicationsJennifer Smith, 415-618-8802jennifer@h3ocommunications.comorMcAfeeKim Eichorn, 408-455-2172kim_eichorn@mcafee.comFollow: @McAfeeConsumer