The internet, specifically social media, has made people drop their security guards. Today, people post sensitive information on social media platforms without worrying about the consequences. This information is available for millions of people to find, and if parents are doing it, other family members might be doing it too.
A cyber attack can cause a lot of damage like destroying your personal information, identity theft, losing your savings or your entire livelihood.
But the good thing is, there are some easy security measures you can implement in your home to stop cyber-attacks.
Consider Setting Up a Virtual Private Network
You don’t need to be tech-savvy to use a Virtual Private Network. A VPN is a tool that encrypts your internet connection and your entire online communication. This tool will protect your connection while banking, emailing, streaming, shopping, among other online activities.
Best of all, setting up a VPN is easy and affordable. There’s a VPN for every operating system, whether you are using Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Today, streaming online content is one of my favorite pastime family activities. You can subscribe to a streaming platform like Hulu to enjoy TV shows and movies as a family.
Using a VPN comes with added benefits. For example, when you get Hulu with a VPN, you will stay safe while streaming and access your Hulu content even when you are on vacation.
But it’s important to choose a VPN you can trust. When choosing a VPN, the rule of thumb is to always go for a premium VPN over a free one.
Always Keep Your Home Network Protected
The router is a vital device for your home network. It connects all internet-enabled devices in your home to the internet. This includes phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and other smart gadgets in your home.
So, the first thing you should do is secure your home router by changing the password as soon as you install it.
After this, configure the security and privacy settings on all your devices and, most importantly, invest in antivirus software for your computers. Keep all your programs and apps up to date because the updates fix security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals might target.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Staying online is like a necessity, and when you hit your mobile data cap, you might be tempted to connect to free public Wi-Fi. Whether you are at the airport, restaurant, coffee shop, or other place offering free Wi-Fi, think twice before connecting.
According to Kaspersky, public Wi-Fi networks are not safe at all.
Do not trust free public Wi-Fi connections because they are hotbeds for cybercriminals. Hackers infiltrate the networks to collect data sent through them. If you have to access free public Wi-Fi, connect through a VPN.
Check the Strength of Your Passwords
Despite constant reminders and repeated advice from security experts, most people still use passwords that are easy to guess, like:
- 12345 (or any chronologically ordered numbers)
- QWERTY
- Password
- 222222
These passwords or any similar variations are easy to guess. So, if you use any of them, change them–fast!
Other people use the same password across their online accounts, including email, shopping, and banking accounts. Using a single password for all accounts is dangerous because all other accounts are also in danger if one is breached.
A strong password should have at least 12 characters and combine letters, numbers, and special symbols.
You should also consider using a password manager app that assigns random passwords to accounts. That way, the only password you will need to remember is the single master password for the manager.
Educate Your Children About Online Threats
Children do not understand the dangers of the World Wide Web. It’s up to parents or guardians to teach them the risks of sharing information online. Children should not share information that hackers or stalkers can use.
Teach your young ones not to share photos, personal data, and location with anyone online because this information can be used to harm them. Also, teach them not to download apps from untrustworthy sources, play games, or participate in online surveys requiring personal information.
Trust No One on Emails
Hackers deploy different strategies when infiltrating a network, like sending fraudulent emails (spamming) and compromised sites (phishing).
Interacting with such emails and sites puts your information at risk and can download malware and viruses. Do not open an email from an unknown sender, do not click on any attachment from unexpected emails or links sent via email.
Make sure that any website you visit has “https” and a lock symbol in the address bar. A website with https and a lock symbol guarantees the safety of any information you provide.
Final Words
Technology is advancing rapidly, and parents and guardians cannot afford to leave their home network and devices unprotected. Never let your guard down in maintaining online security in your home, or else your entire family might be at risk.
The tips we have shared work, and you should implement them as soon as possible. Be vigilant and stay updated with all security trends to protect your family and home from cyber-attacks.