How do I protect my internet-connected devices at home?

Imagine waking up one day to find that the college fund you and your family spent years saving for your dream college is gone from your bank account.

Or logging into your home computer to discover that the project you've been working on for months is inaccessible. Even more unsettling, what if someone could watch you and your family through a webcam or security camera in your home?

Scary, right? These are all real cybersecurity risks that have happened to people when internet-connected devices or home networks were compromised.

The question is: Are you protected against these threats and others like them?

Internet-connected devices at home face several cybersecurity threats, including:

• Unauthorized access — Hackers taking control of devices such as routers, security cameras, smart TVs, doorbells, and smart locks.

• Malware and ransomware — Malicious software infecting your computers, phones, or other devices, stealing data, or locking you out of your files.

• Identity theft and financial fraud — Sensitive information such as passwords, banking details, tax records, and personal documents being stolen.

• Privacy breaches — Unauthorized viewing or collection of data from devices with cameras, microphones, location services, or other sensors.

• Botnet recruitment — Attackers secretly using your devices as part of a network that launches cyberattacks against other people or organizations.

• Attacks on your home network — Since your Wi-Fi router is the gateway to all connected devices, compromising it can expose everything connected to your home network.

Three of the most common threats to internet-connected devices at home are unauthorized access, malware (including ransomware), and identity theft and financial fraud.

This can lead to stolen data, surveillance, or complete control of internet-connected devices such as routers, security cameras, smart locks, and computers.

Hacking often happens through:

• Weak/default passwords — the factory-set usernames and passwords that manufacturers assign to Wi-Fi routers and other internet-connected devices before they are sold.

• Unpatched software — software that hasn't been updated with the latest security fixes, leaving it vulnerable to known cyberattacks.

• Exposed internet services — apps or device features that are accessible from the internet, making them potential targets for hackers if not properly secured.

The video below explains how interconnected devices are vulnerable to hacking:

How to protect yourself:

• Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts and devices

• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever available.

• Change default usernames and passwords on your Wi-Fi router and smart devices.

• Install software and firmware updates promptly.

• Secure your home Wi-Fi with WPA2 or WPA3 encryption (watch this video to understand the difference between these types of encryption)

Photo by Michael Geiger on Unsplash

Malware can steal personal information, monitor your activity, encrypt your files for ransom, or spread to other devices on your home network.

Once one device is infected, attackers may use it to reach more valuable devices such as laptops or phones.

How to protect yourself:

• Keep your operating system, apps, and devices updated.

• Install reputable antivirus/anti-malware software where appropriate.

• Don't open unexpected email attachments or click suspicious links.

• Download software only from official app stores or trusted websites.

• Regularly back up important files.

The ultimate goal of many attacks is to obtain usernames, passwords, banking information, credit card numbers, or other personal data that can be used for fraud.

Protecting your devices helps prevent these downstream consequences.

How to protect yourself:

• Never share passwords or one-time verification codes.

• Be cautious of phishing emails, texts, and phone calls requesting personal or financial information.

• Monitor bank and credit card accounts regularly for unauthorized transactions.

• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) on banking and email accounts.

• Freeze your credit if you suspect your personal information has been compromised.

Sam just bought a new Wi-Fi router. What's the first thing they should do to improve its security?

A. Move the router closer to a window.
B. Change the default administrator password.
C. Turn off the router every night.
D. Rename all connected devices.