Abdulaziz Khalaf wrote: As we seek to manage our lives easier, especially in these days and the current accelerated era, we have become increasingly dependent on our devices connected to the Internet. Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and smart devices are becoming cheaper, more accessible to users, and easier to integrate into our lives. Let's be honest, who hasn't used a smartphone's voice assistant to dictate a note or jot down a calendar appointment? or who did not add smart devices in his home; Like smart TVs.
However, the prevalence of all these devices in our daily lives also poses a security risk, as gadgets and devices, unless properly secured, can be used as new attack avenues by cybercriminals. What steps can you take to ensure the security of your internet-connected devices and reduce the chances of falling victim to a cyberattack? With Cyber Security Awareness Month (CSAM) just around the corner, we're highlighting the ways you can protect yourself. The main message of the initiative this year is: “If you connect it, protect it.”
Secure your router
Securing your router should be the first step you take towards securing your internet connection. It's the front door to all your connected devices. A common mistake people make once they install their router is sticking to the default settings. Although it's easy, it can pose a huge security risk, so you should immediately change both the password used to connect to the router as well as the password used to access its settings. When changing your router password, choose the WPA2 option (or WPA 3 on newer routers if all your devices can connect to it). And as with all devices, don't forget to keep it updated to the latest firmware; While many routers do this automatically, it wouldn't hurt to check every now and then to make sure everything is up to date. For more tips, check out our article on ways to verify your router is securely configured.
Encrypt your web traffic
While we're on the topic of securing your connection and addressing your router, another way to increase your online browsing security is by encrypting your browsing traffic. The simplest way to achieve this is to create a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which will act as an encrypted tunnel for your Internet traffic. Besides protecting data from prying eyes, it can also allow you to securely access data stored on your home network. It may also be a wise measure to set up a separate VPN for all your connected smart devices to reduce the risk of being hacked.
Be smart with your smartphone
A smartphone is probably the device that most of us use the most. We don't just use it for calls anymore; It is used to take pictures, store files, receive and send emails, it is a small computer in the palm of your hand. And since it's online, you have to protect it. Most smartphones can now be protected with endpoint security solutions to keep most threats out. You should also encrypt all sensitive data on your phone, to make it difficult for cybercriminals to take advantage of your data even if they hack your device. You can enhance the security of your smartphone by applying the tips we included in our article 20 tips for 2020.
Update your devices
Update your devices regularly. It is true that with so many connected devices it may not be easy or even possible, put this advice into practice. However, fixes, security patches, and updates must be applied as soon as they are released to either remedy specific vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals or to further enhance the security of devices. Do not ignore update prompts or stop installing a patch if you know it is available.
Protect your smart TV
Nowadays it has become rare to get a TV without built-in smart features, and while non-smart TVs still exist, people lose the usefulness and convenience of smart features to the point where they upgrade them by using and connecting smart external streaming devices like Chromecast or Roku. And just like many other devices, smart TVs can be hacked and hijacked by cybercriminals as well. They could exploit vulnerabilities to control your TV remotely, or they could be infected with malware. To protect it, you should start by configuring it properly and going through its settings in detail; And you should check for any firmware updates as well. And last but not least, there are cyber security solutions available for download that will enhance the security of your device.
Do your homework!
With the number of connected devices in most homes steadily increasing, we must adapt and adopt better cyber security practices. While the convenience that smart devices provide is great and makes our lives simpler, we should never forget the security aspect. A little exploit is all a cyber criminal wants to make a dent in your wallet. So remember: "If you plug in your device, protect it!"
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