Your own actions can protect against attackers.
It’s a good idea to keep your home safe. Adobe Stock / AOP
Cyber attacks have been one of the hottest topics in recent weeks. It is not just states and companies that are being attacked, so individual citizens should also be prepared to do their best.
Many are already starting to find a variety of smart devices or less smart devices connected to the network at home. It can always be from the fridge to a security camera, a fire alarm or a phone in your pocket.
Country Manager for Checkpoint Finland and the Baltics at the information security company Check Point To contact Sampo Vehkaoja in a bulletin, outlined seven guidelines for protecting your home and its smart devices from cyber attacks.
1. Update devices
According to Vehkaoja, updating the equipment is required if you want to protect your home and data from cybercriminals. Attackers are constantly changing their habits, so it is important to always download the latest protections against the latest attacks.
2. Pay attention to home networks
Vehkaoja advises the use of separate networks for different devices, if possible. In this way, attackers have more obstacles to face. You can also set up a guest network for friends and family, so you don’t have to share your network’s primary login.
3. Improve your passwords
When you want to create a really strong password, make it as random as possible. Don’t make a password that is somehow directly related to you, as it may be easier to guess. Use numbers, letters and special characters. Do not use the same password for multiple services. If you have difficulty remembering your passwords, enable a password manager.
4. Use two-step authentication
By enabling 2-Step Verification, you are effectively protecting your account from attackers. 2-Step Verification provides the additional authentication required to sign in to your account. This can be, for example, code sent via e-mail or text message, or code retrieved from a separate application that is constantly updated. It’s a good idea to enable 2-Step Verification whenever possible.
5. Encrypt traffic
The user is responsible for network security. Vehkaoja therefore recommends that you ensure that your router uses the highest possible level of security. If you are using an older WLAN access point, you need to be especially careful. Make sure the connection is secured with WPA2 encryption. Check with your device for network features and contact your network operator for assistance.
The Cyber Security Center has published comprehensive guidelines for wireless network information security. You can read the instructions from here.
6. Change the default password for the router
Be sure to always change the default network passwords to new ones. In many cases, the default password for a router is very simple and easy to guess. Such a password should only be used during the commissioning of the device, after which it should be changed. Vehkaoja says that there are listings of the default passwords for the most common routers on the Internet, which already says a lot. When you change your password, you can rename the network.
7. Also remember the protection of the implements
Many work from home, and Vehkaoja reminds us that work machines should be as well protected as personal ones. Work machines depend on the Wi-Fi connection in your home, which is good to remember. Make sure that your machines are upgraded and protected.