Smart devices offer efficiencies and convenience, but they can also compromise your safety. Secure your devices.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month week 5
Cybersecurity Awareness Month week 5
How many smart devices (think: smart speaker, lights connected to your Wi-Fi, appliances thermostats, security cameras, etc.) are connected to your network? While these devices may help you in your daily life, what’s the cost to your security?
Any device that connects to your home or workplace Internet is vulnerable to hacking. Unauthorized access can result in online streaming of your security camera feeds, eavesdropping on conversations through your smart speaker or hub, or hacking your smart fridge to infiltrate your home network and access information from your laptop.
7 tips to secure your smart devices
- Do your research: Focus on security/privacy concerns for the device in question. Off brands may be cheaper but less/not secure. Verify security features before buying or connecting to your network.
- Change default settings: Create long and unique passwords for new devices before connecting it to your Internet or checking out all its fun features. Review and set security/privacy settings based on your comfort level. Limit device access to those who need it. Hint: check out our article about strong passwords.
- Automate software updates: Turn on automatic updates if available. This installs the manufacturer’s latest patches to improve security, privacy and performance.
- Enable multi-factor authentication: Add authentication for an extra layer of security. This helps protect the account and access to the device.
- Be mindful: Think about what devices with speakers, cameras, or recorders can pick up based on their location. For devices that you buy second-hand, receive, or inherit, consider whether they are safe before using.
- Revisit: After a few years (in some cases months!), many devices are no longer supported or updated by the manufacturer. Or maybe you no longer use them or have need of them. Review your smart devices on a regular basis and disconnect/toss what you don’t need.
- PRO-TIP— Keep them on a separate network: Connect these devices to a restricted or guest network. In doing so, hackers will not be able to access your main network, or the devices connected to it. You also minimize the threat of a virus or malware spreading throughout your network.
Want to improve your cybersecurity awareness?
Learn more tips and tricks by visiting Information Technology throughout Cybersecurity awareness month.