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Device Hygiene — Phones, Laptops and the Shop PC

Updates, screen locks, app permissions, no pirated software, separate admin accounts, USB discipline and the monthly ten-minute check for every device that touches your business.

Every phone and laptop that touches your business is a door. Ten minutes a month keeps them locked.

Every device

Automatic updates on; screen lock with biometric or a 6-digit PIN; ‘find my device’ enabled; no software from cracks or unknown sites; a standard user account for daily work, the admin account only for installs.

Phones

Review app permissions quarterly (SMS, contacts, accessibility — remove from any app that is not your messaging app or a genuine accessibility tool). Uninstall apps you have not opened in three months. Never sideload APKs.

The shop / billing PC

No personal browsing or games on it; browser without saved card details; USB ports used only for known devices; antivirus on and updated; the Tally data folder in the daily backup.

When a device is lost

Remote-lock and wipe it; change the e-mail and banking passwords from another device; tell the bank if a banking app was installed; report the IMEI on Sanchar Saathi (CEIR) to block it.

Checklist

  • ☐Updates automatic on every device
  • ☐Screen lock + find-my-device on
  • ☐No pirated software
  • ☐Standard user for daily work
  • ☐App permissions reviewed this quarter
  • ☐Lost-device steps known by staff

Questions people ask

Why does pirated Tally / Windows matter?

Cracked installers are the commonest ransomware carrier in Indian SMEs — the ‘crack’ is the malware.

Been hit and need a human?

Our team helps you draft, file and follow up with the bank and the cyber cell — leave your number for a free callback.

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The Cyber Desk provides educational tools, checklists and self-help drafts — not legal advice. For serious or high-value fraud, also consult the police and a qualified lawyer.