How to Protect Your Home From Cyber Attacks

by Jan Kennemer 11/03/2019

More than ever, hackers are exploiting security flaws to break into home networks, and the United States homes are the most hit. According to Hartford Steam Boiler, one in every ten homes has experienced a cyberattack. Victims of cyberattack have minimal knowledge of security hence the increase in these attacks.  However, you do not have to be a security expert to protect your home from cyberattacks. Here, you'll learn how to protect your home from a cyberattack.

Keep your software updated 

Many of the security flaws exploited by attackers have been found and corrected by the software developer. However, as a result of software users not having the updated version, they still fall for the attacks. At any point in time, keep your Operating System (OS) and application software up to date and never play with security updates. It is advisable to turn on automatic updates – most programs have this feature.

Secure your network

It is no news that your home network is a crucial target for those into cyber crimes. What is new is how unsecured some people unknowingly leave their home networks. Keeping your home network secured is one of the undoings of cyber attackers. To ensure your home network is safe, you can do the following:

- Keep your home router name private.

- Change its default login details.

- Create a secure password comprising symbols, letters, and numbers.

- Use WPA2 instead of WEP.Make sure you activate your router encryption.

Secure your phone

Your smartphone brings with it a lot of ease. With it, you can control devices in the home through their apps. The disadvantage is that you give an attacker access to the home devices once he/she has your smartphone. To prevent this, secure your phone with a strong password comprising symbols, letters, and numbers.

Set up anti-virus and firewall

One of the ways to protect your home from cyberattacks is by having an anti-virus program on your system. While free anti-virus can protect you, it is best you go for paid ones. Paid anti-virus provide better security and protection. Also, make sure your firewall is on as it can identify and prevent a cyberattack.

Mind what you download and install

This is an essential point many people give little attention to. Before downloading anything from the Internet, make sure the source is credible to avoid downloading software, documents, and other files that may be infected sources. Always read the privacy policy before doing any form of downloading and installation of software. It is essential to avoid carrying out financial transactions on without an SSL certificate.

Back up your data

It is essential to back up your data regularly just in case. Backup should be done weekly and will help in cases you got attacked and denied access to your data.

About the Author
Author

Jan Kennemer

Jan will show you how you can live close to Washington, DC – by public transit and/or highway – and still enjoy all the many amenities and friendliness of a quiet community. Jan is a life-long resident of Arlington, Va. So, she is very familiar with northern Virginia …Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria and close-in Fairfax. She knows where to find those little out-of the-way places where you will still get excellent value and a home that meets your needs. As a Realtor® for over 20 years, Jan has developed a customized system for marketing and selling properties which includes the latest technologies combined with tried and true practices. She has received special training in working with first time buyers, repeat buyers and seniors. She is a certified VHDA trainer and is certified as a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES©). Jan is also a certified e-Pro. She gets results you want – the best price in the shortest time. Jan is dedicated to helping clients satisfy their needs and wants while providing them with a strong investment for the future. She is readily available to provide explanations and information. She won’t push you into making an uncomfortable choice. Jan helps you to fully understand the transaction, so that you can always make an informed decision based on facts and figures.