Wednesday, May 11, 2016

7 Important Simple Steps to Protect Your Home


1. Set Strong Passwords
Often times we use basic passwords like Admin or 1234. It takes mere milliseconds to hack such passwords. Use passwords that are at least 12 characters long, have upper & lower case letters, contain symbols and numbers. It will take more than a year to decrypt your new password. Start with changing your computer and router passwords. And change them frequently, at least four times a year.
2. Protect Your Router
Your router is arguably the most vulnerable connected device in your home. If hackers take over the router, they will collect information about you without alerting your anti-virus and anti-malware software. The best way to protect your router is to update your router’s firmware (software) at least quarterly, to set a strong password for the admin console of your router (as described above), and to use a WPA2 network password (the password that you use to connect to your wireless network. 

Here’s a basic guide for Linksys routers (google ‘change router WPA2 password’ for your own brand of routers or call your internet provider): http://www.linksys.com/us/support-article?articleNum=139152

If you have trouble with this step, reply to our email and we will try to help.
3. Use a Secure Browser
Mainstream browsers like Internet Explorer or most often targeted by hackers because of their popularity and reach. Enjoy a much more secure browsing experience with the Tor browser (see https://www.torproject.org). If you want to stick with mainstream browsers, we suggest using Chrome as the safest alternative.
4. Anti-virus is Not Enough
Anti-virus protects you only against the most basic of threats. Install free anti-malware software by Malwarebytes. Make sure to set it so that it runs and updates automatically multiple times a week.
5. Disconnect When Not in Use
Disconnect devices when not in use. This especially applies to baby monitors and other home cameras. Simply unplug them from their power or Internet source. Hackers can take over cameras and record videos or pictures when you least expect. They will even disable the light that indicates when the camera is on. You should never disconnect devices that provide physical home security such as your security cameras.
6. Public Internet Networks
Our credit card security and privacy is most vulnerable when we connect to ‘guest’ networks in public spaces such as coffee shops. We strongly urge you not to enter credit card data or other private information when connected to such networks. Also, don’t log into your bank accounts from such networks.
7. Download our eBOOK
By applying our suggestions above, you will take a strong step towards keeping your home and your information secure. For extended tips, read our eBook here.

 
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