Did you know during the pandemic, cybersecurity threats increased? If you want to learn how to secure a home from cyber attacks, we can help.
In this guide, we’ll go over some cybersecurity tips to try. Improve your home security today and keep your family safe.
Want to learn more? Keep reading.
1. Pick a Strong Password
Most people pick a memorable password. Yet, you should look at creating a strong password. Passwords keep malicious hackers out of your devices and accessing your data.
Make sure you use a mix of symbols, numbers, and upper case letters. Pick something that you will remember, but that isn’t too easy. Make sure you also don’t use the same password for all your accounts.
Passwords should have a variety of things like numbers, lower cases, and upper cases. Pick something that means something to you and that you will remember.
Make sure you reset your password if you end up forgetting it. You should also try to change your password once a year or twice a year.
2. Make Sure to Lock Your Different Devices
You’ll have different people coming in and out of your home. You might have someone doing work on plumbing while others deliver food.
Make sure to lock your different devices. Use your VPN or a password. A stranger could steal your smartphone but won’t access your personal information.
Ask your family to follow suit. In the event that someone steals their laptop or tablet, at least it’s protected.
3. Consider Installing a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Make your home more secure and install a VPN. A VPN will encrypt data traffic and prevent people from accessing your information. You can secure all your devices on your internet network.
You should look at installing a VPN on your smartphone, desktop computer, and laptop. You should also install a VPN on your tablet and activate the software before you go online.
The VPN will hide your IP address. Cybercriminals can’t access your data. Your online sessions will remain anonymous, and you won’t have to worry about your network.
4. Rename Your WIFI Network
Internet routers will have different weaknesses. You should change the default name of your WIFI network.
Cybercriminals can identify your manufacturer and model with the generic name. Make sure you change the name of your network.
Don’t include personal details on your network either. When you change your network name, you should also switch the password.
Wireless routers will have specific login credentials when they get set up. Hackers will have a much easier time guessing the password. Make sure you switch it to a complex password.
Look at creating a password made from 20 characters and a mixture of numbers, symbols, and letters. Take a picture of the password and login information. This way, you will have a digital record of this information.
You could also write the password information down and put it in a secure place.
5. Put the Router in a Safe Area
The position of the router will affect the signal strength and network security. If you put the router in the middle of your home, you’ll prevent the signal from spilling to other areas.
Cybercriminals won’t be able to hack your network and use it.
6. Switch off the WIFI
When you aren’t using the WIFI, you can switch it off. Most people will keep their internet on when they leave their house.
If you leave your WIFI on, you will give hackers different opportunities to get into your network.
Leaving your WIFI on will also add to your utility bill. Save yourself the money and time by turning it off before you go.
7. Update Your Software
Ransomware attacks tend to happen to both consumers and businesses. To help prevent ransomware, make sure you use updated software.
Don’t delay updating the applications and the operating system. You will get rid of any vulnerabilities that hackers could use to get into your devices.
Make sure you use a desktop web browser that uses security updates. You should also turn on automatic system updates on your device. Try to keep your web browser plugins as Java and Flash updated.
8. Use a Firewall and Anti-Virus Protection
Anti-virus software protection can help fight malicious attacks. Anti-virus software will block malware and other viruses from getting into your device. Make sure you use anti-virus software from a reputable vendor.
A firewall will defend your data from malicious attacks. Firewalls screen viruses, hackers, and other bad activity that happens on the internet.
Mac OS X and Windows come with different firewalls. Most routers have a firewall already built into them which will prevent attacks.
9. Work With Reputable IT Experts
You could also boost your home security by bringing in professional IT technicians. The IT technician can assess your devices and offer insight into privacy tools.
Some people will look into installing home automation to secure their homes. Ask local experts what they would recommend for your home.
Now You Have Some Cybersecurity Tips
We hope you found this guide on cybersecurity helpful. Use these cybersecurity tips to prevent malicious hackers from accessing your data.
You should always update your software and use firewall and anti-virus protection. Make sure you pick a complex password for your account and don’t use the same password twice.
Are you looking for more helpful tips? Check out our resources on the blog.
