The average U.S. household is targeted with over 104 cyberattacks or blocked threats per month. The majority of these attacks are from automated bots or hacking methods that use trial and error to guess passwords, login credentials, or encryption keys. Attacks are most frequently targeted towards computers and laptops; smartphones and tablets; networked cameras; and streaming devices.
While many of these attacks are blocked silently by firewalls and built-in router security, the threat environment for individuals has intensified due to the rise of AI-driven social engineering and widespread data breaches.
So what are the most important things you can do to protect your home network and connected devices?
1. Have a good router. It’s important to have a router, like our Lynxx Managed Home Wi-Fi router, that comes with built-in security software that is up-to-date. Our router’s award-winning security software updates daily to protect networks from malware, viruses, and intrusions. It comes with 24/7 support and secures even the most vulnerable devices on your network like cameras and baby monitors to stop threats and bad link clicks before they can ever do damage. Regardless of what router you use, make sure the latest updates are installed for the most effective network protection. If you have a store-bought router, change the default name and replace the factory-set admin password with a strong, unique passphrase. You should also enable WPA2 or WPA3 encryption and reboot the router regularly.
2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Using MFA adds a layer of security to your e-mail, financial, and social accounts, and stops hackers from breaking in even if they steal your password. In fact, MFA is so effective that it blocks roughly 99% of automated and identity-based cyberattacks, and research shows that adding a recovery phone number blocks 100% of automated bot attacks. If you don’t have MFA you can download a trusted app via the app store on your smart device. Top Trusted MFA and Authenticator Apps include: Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and 2FAS.
3. Use Strong Passwords. Create long, unique passwords with 16+characters for every single account. Try using a phrase you’ll remember more easily such as “Escape2theNorthWoods43!” that utilizes a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Can’t remember all your passwords for all your accounts? Use a trusted password manager so all you need to remember is one, strong, master password.
4. Recognize Phishing Attempts. Be cautious of unexpected text messages, e-mails, or calls asking for personal information or urgent requests to click a link. These four signs are common in most phishing attempts:
• Urgent or emotionally appealing language
• Requests to send personal and / or financial information
• Untrusted, shortened URLs
• Incorrect or misspelled e-mail addresses or links
• If you get a message you believe to be a phishing attempt, just delete it and report it as spam if given the option.
Cybercrime is a real threat, but if we all take the four core steps of using a good router and updating security software; using MFA; using strong passwords; and recognizing and avoiding phishing scams, we can stay safe online. For more information visit https://www.staysafeonline.org/.