Most home networks are controlled by a router that broadcasts wireless signals for the devices in your home to connect to. If one of these devices is hacked, the culprit can potentially access sensitive information on other connected devices.
So how do you enhance your cyber security at home, whether you own your own place in Melbourne or have a rental property in Wollongong? In this article, we’ll explain the steps you can take to secure your wireless network AND your individual devices.
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Which devices are a potential security risk?
Almost any device that you connect to your Wi-Fi could become a security risk in the future. This includes your desktop computer, laptop and any tablets you might have, as well as your smartphone and smart TV. If you have a “virtual assistant”, such as “Alexa” or “Siri”, these can also be at risk, as can baby monitors, gaming consoles and security cameras.
There are two risks to consider if your wireless router is hacked - your security and your privacy. By having information in your devices accessed, does it pose a risk to your safety (eg. could a hacker plan a break-in by using your security camera footage)? Or are they in possession of sensitive information about you and the ones you love that could jeopardise your privacy?
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How can you protect yourself?
The majority of cyber hacks aren’t sophisticated operations and are just “amateurs” looking to score some money by accessing credit card details. Simply by setting up a strong password on your router (rather than leaving it as the password it was given when you opened the box), you’ll give yourself increased protection.
For each of your devices, you want to use a strong password, with a longer password usually better. You also want each of the passwords for your devices and online accounts to be unique, as difficult as this sounds. If you’re worried about forgetting multiple passwords, you can establish a password manager to safeguard them.
Whenever there is the possibility of having two-step verification, take advantage of it as it will add an extra barrier for hackers to overcome. Two-step verification usually means that a code is sent to your smartphone before you can access sensitive accounts, such as your online banking or government-issued documents.
It’s also essential that you read the fine print before signing up for any digital accounts or devices. While this might sound tedious, it could save you a lot of heartache in the future. Who are they sharing your data with and is there the option to opt out? Are they using cookies and internet tracking to try and sell you things and is that something you are comfortable with?
If you’re someone who continually selects “remind me tomorrow” when reminded about system updates, this is a habit you should shake. System updates often include improved security features and/or fixes for bugs that have been discovered in the existing (and generally weaker) system. You can also perform manual updates on your router or opt for one that runs these automatically.
Want to go a step further? Consider setting up a guest wireless network so that all of your devices aren’t linked to one. This will allow you to separate your smart home devices (such as your TV and refrigerator) from your computer or any other device in which you are entering personal information. In this way, a hacker who gains access to your smart home devices on the guest network won’t be able to access personal information that is stored on devices linked to the main wireless network.
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The importance of backing up your information
If you are hacked and your personal information is stolen, sometimes the only way of recovering it is from a backup. So it’s important that you are regularly backing up any information that’s of significance and ensure that you can restore it. With most mobile devices, you can automatically backup your information to the Cloud. With computers, you may need to invest in backup software or a backup service to achieve this.
