Nowadays, it would be difficult to imagine any modern home without a high-speed internet connection and a plethora of connected smart devices that range from computers to televisions. These devices make life easier for many people, but it is important to remember that they also make it easier for cybercriminals to gain access to your files and devices. The question that this poses is: What can be done to keep at-home devices safe while still enjoying the advantages that they offer? Read on to discover how you can stay safe in a connected world.
More Devices, More Possible Intrusion Points –
It is important to remember that any device that connects to an unsecured network can serve as an entry point for malicious software and because of this all devices should be secured against cyber threats. Devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets can all be secured by installing antivirus software or applications but the best way to secure other devices is by making sure that your router is configured properly to prevent unauthorized access.
Always Observe Safe Browsing Behavior –
Following simple safe browsing rules such as not opening email attachments from unknown sources or downloading files from sketchy websites can save you from inadvertently infecting your home network with malware. Viruses are often disguised as communication from reliable sources such as banks to dupe people into installing the virus or malware. One way to spot a fake file is to check the file extension, for example, an account statement would usually have the extension .pdf and not .zip or .exe.
Install and Use Antivirus Software –
Make sure that you have an antivirus application installed on all devices that can accept one. There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to antivirus applications but all of them are dependent on regular updates and scans to function correctly. Make sure that you set up the software to perform automated scans and that real-time protection features are enabled so that threats are detected immediately. In addition to this, you might want to consider using advanced firewall software which adds another layer of protection.
Change Default Passwords Immediately –
Most routers ship with a default username and password. This username and password must be changed to unique values immediately. In most cases, the default usernames and passwords for routers are available on the internet which means that accessing a router with default credentials is child’s play for most cybercriminals. Changing this information is simple and doesn’t require any advanced technical knowledge but it can save you a lot of trouble further down the line.
Increase the Security of your Wi-Fi Network –
Most newer routers offer several security options. Make sure that you select WEP or WEP2 instead of WPA as this setting offers better protection against intrusion. This setting can usually be changed in the router or wireless access point. Along with this, enable the guest network feature, if your router supports this function. By doing this, the router will create a separate network for guests to use when they need to access the internet from your home. The separation of your devices from that of guests adds an additional layer of security to your home network and avoids the need to share your network password with others.
Scan USB Devices –
Portable data storage devices like external hard drives and USB flash drives offer the perfect transportation method for infected files. You can avoid introducing a virus to your network by scanning USB devices before opening any files. This is especially important in the case of devices that might have been used on unsecured networks. It is also important to remember to securely destroy any data that is no longer needed because the data could be accessed if the USB device gets lost or stolen. Data destruction is a great way to make sure that any information that is no longer needed cannot be stolen, which increases safety greatly.
Check Your Network Frequently –
You can use specialized applications and tools to scan your network for any vulnerabilities such as open ports or weak passwords. By doing this, you can quickly identify any problems and rectify them before they can be used for nefarious purposes. Hackers are not all that different from thieves in that they would rather pick an easy target than a difficult one, ensuring that there are no obvious problems with your network makes you a less attractive target.
Take the Time to Configure Software Properly –
Software such as firewalls are often pre-configured to allow certain communications and disallow others. However, most software can be customized to allow only the communication that you need. For instance, if you are not participating in any online games, there is no reason for the ports that games use to communicate to be open.
Conclusion
As our lives become more and more digital, the number of smart devices in our homes will increase and it is now more important than ever to be vigilant. Following these simple steps can go a long way towards securing your home network and keeping your private information private.
Author Bio: This article was written by Eloise Tobler of Wisetek. Wisetek are global leaders in IT Asset Disposition, Data Destruction, & IT Reuse.
