Provided by FosterInstitute.com
In this digital age we are consistently exposed to threats from online hackers, protecting your computer is a must. This inconvenient and potentially costly online threat is a good reminder of the security steps needed to protect your home computers and laptops.
Following these simple home cyber security tips for securing your home network can help reduce or avoid potential cyber-attacks to personal computers.
Cyber security steps to protect your home computer
View the helpful infographic below full of cyber security steps at home and also see home cyber security tips to help protect you and your family online.
Home cyber security tips
Securing yourself
Cyber attackers have learned that the easiest way to get something is to simply ask for it. As such, common sense is your best defense. If an email or phone call seems odd, suspicious, or too good to be true, it may be an attack.
Securing your home network
Your WiFi router is a physical device that controls who can connect to your wireless network at home. Follow these steps to secure it:
- Always change the default admin password on your router to a strong password only you know.
- Configure your network so that if anyone wants to join it, they have to use a password.
- Be aware of all the devices connected to your network, including baby monitors, gaming consoles, TVs, ect.
Securing your computers and devices
- Protect your devices are protected with a strong PIN or passcode and are running the latest version of their software.
- Enable automatic updates whenever possible.
- If you can, have two computers at home, one for parents and one for kids. If sharing a computer, make sure everyone has separate accounts and that kids have additional security filters applied.
- Use a firewall and anti-virus on your computers.
- Before disposing of a device, make sure it has been put back to a factory reset.
Securing your accounts/passwords
- Always use long passwords that are hard to guess and use a variation of characters, numbers and letters.
- Use unique passwords for each account and device. Can’t remember that many? Use a password manager app to keep track of them for you.
- Use two-step or multi-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds a personalized step to logging in, like receiving a text or phone call on your mobile phone.
What to do when hacked
No matter how secure you are, sooner or later, you may be hacked:
- Create regular backups of all your personal data. If a device gets hacked, the only way to recover its data may be from a backup.
- If one of your online accounts has been hacked, immediately log in and change its password to a strong, unique password. If you no longer have access, contact the company.
- Monitor your credit cards. If you see charges you do not recognize, call the company right away.