Life is moving at a steadily increasing pace and we all are trying our best to keep up with it. Most of us rely on smart devices, now more than ever, to make our lives simpler. Smart devices and the Internet of Things have become more accessible and affordable, making it easier to integrate them into our lives. From using the voice assistant to make notes on our smartphone to buying a smart television, we all are using these devices in our daily lives.
However, with the increase in such devices in our daily lives also comes an increased security risk. If not secured properly, these gadgets can lead to attacks by cybercriminals. Which is why we need to ensure that our devices and data remain protected. October is celebrated as the Cyber Security Awareness Month, and what better way to celebrate it than by learning ways to keep ourselves protected. Afterall, the key message this month is that if we can connect it, we should protect it.
Wi-Fi Routers
Securing our router should be one of the primary steps we take since it works like a gateway to all our connected devices. One of the first things we need to remember is to not continue with default settings, which are convenient but risky. We should change the password to access the router and its settings. We should try to use a WPA2 option to connect to the network (WPA3 in case of new routers). We should also remember to keep the router firmware updated. Most routers do that automatically, however, it is advisable to check the settings now and then.
Encrypting Web Traffic
This is another way to increase web security. Setting up a VPN or a Virtual Private Network is a simple way to encrypt our internet traffic. A VPN shields our data and allows us to access data over our home network securely. It is also advisable to set up a separate VPN for all connected smart devices.
Smartphone
Our smartphone is something we use most frequently. Working as a computer in the palm of our hand, we use our phones for so much more than just calling. Our phones are like a treasure house filled with photos, emails, files, and so much more. And since our phones are always connected to the internet, they need to be secured. While most smartphones can be protected with an endpoint security solution, we should also encrypt sensitive data on our phones.
Device Updates
Another crucial step to ensure security is regularly updating devices. It might get a little difficult to keep a tab on every device at all times. However, we should try to apply updates as soon as they are released. Fixes, patches, etc., go a long way in keeping our devices protected since they are released to fix specific issues or vulnerabilities.
Smart TV
A smart television can also be targeted by cybercriminals. A TV could be exploited and controlled remotely or infected by malware. To protect our smart TV, we should firstly configure it correctly and make sure to go through all settings properly. As with other devices, we should try to keep firmware upgraded and apply appropriate security solutions when needed.
With the increase in the number of smart devices, we should make sure that we follow appropriate cybersecurity practices.
