How to protect your home with Cyber Security
There are a lot of threats out there that can harm your family. However, what may surprise you is that many of those dangerous threats actually originate from hundreds or even thousands of miles away. They can reach your family thanks to the internet. Today, part of the responsibility of protecting your family also includes maintaining high levels of cyber security in your home. Below are some tips for doing just that.
Secure Your Home Network and Router
One possible entry point for cybercriminals is your router. Your router is the device that supplies wireless internet to your home network. Every computer, smartphone, and other smart devices, such as your TV, should be using that network to connect to the internet inside your home. As such, your home network and router are especially at risk of being targeted by cybercriminals trying to find an entry point. The first step to securing it should be changing the log-in. Choose a password that a password strength checker says has a high level of security. The checker can give you an estimate of exactly how long it would take to crack your password using the software password cracking tools implemented by cybercrooks.
Invest in a Virtual Private Network
However, you should take the security of your home network a step further. Go beyond the options given to you by your regular internet provider. Instead, supplement your regular internet service with the use of a VPN. This stands for the virtual private network. A VPN is an amazing thing. It can take your internet access and effectively mask it. No person, site, or service that connects to you on the internet will be able to determine your true location. Instead, that information will be hidden thanks to the use of the VPN. It adds extra steps to the connection that make it seem like you are connecting to the internet from a completely different geographic location. Hackers, criminals, and others that may want to determine your true location and IP address will be unable to do so thanks to the VPN.
Utilize a Cyber Security Platform
Many businesses use a software suite that helps them manage all the different functions of their cyber security program. However, what you should know is that you can utilize the same kind of technology at home. Using a cyber risk management system at home can have certain strong advantages. It can centralize the tracking of all the different elements of your home cyber security efforts in one location on a useful app. That way, you’ll be able to keep closer track of just how secure your home network and devices actually are instead of simply having to guess most of the time. Such a system can have other features as well such as the ability to track the financial impact of possible security events to help determine whether or not you have the appropriate insurance or financial cushion to weather such an event.
Protect Your Children from Online Predators
It’s not only hackers trying to commit financial crimes against you and your family that you have to watch out for. Sexual predators could also be using the internet as a means to lure in your children. Part of your responsibility regarding home cyber security is ensuring that your children can use the internet in a safe manner free of the threat of online predators. Often, this requires using certain software programs and features that can help you track your children’s internet use. You should be especially wary of apps, websites, and other programs that allow for free communication between users. Also, institute content filters to make sure inappropriate content and websites are blocked from your children's views outright. If you don’t, you can expect your children to see things they shouldn’t have.Instituting a high level of cyber security in your home should be one of your responsibilities as a parent and homeowner. Doing so can protect your family both financially and physically. Take different steps such as using secure passwords, investing in a VPN, blocking your children from viewing harmful content, and utilizing a cyber security platform to ensure that your family always remains protected while using the internet. You will be glad that you did so.Photo by Kaitlyn Baker on Unsplash