There was a time when locking your front door was one of the best ways to stay safe. Nowadays—especially with the introduction of smart technology—safety and security go far beyond merely locking doors. Consumers must take a logical and technological approach to reinforcing, bolstering, and creating better online security for their entire home network. Today, we’re covering some essential Online safety advice to help you keep your home network and its associated devices safe and secure in the face of emerging cyber threats.
Common Online Threats
Everyone gets online. It’s just part of our daily lives at this point. Whether it’s social media, using Zoom, working remotely, or just doing some light reading/research, most of our recent history has been indelibly marked by tech in some form or another. It’s thoroughly ingrained in our lives. Because of this reality, there are many more threats individuals (and their families) have to worry about while being online. Viruses—a self-replicating code or program that can cause plenty of damage on a digital device—are still one of the most common. Malware, Trojans, worms, and ransomware are just as dangerous. Then there’s the possibility of data compromise and identity theft. All these things can happen to anyone, reinforcing the need to protect yourself while working, playing, or researching online. Fortunately, you can learn to protect yourself with a few simple practices and avoid falling victim to a cyber crime.
Installing a Firewall
The first defense against viruses and malware comes in the form of a firewall. Just like its name implies, a firewall is a protective barrier. It creates a wall between your network and an outside one. There are many more reasons to use a firewall (and not just the one that comes with your computer). It acts as a guardian, blocking unauthorized access and suspicious activities. But don’t settle for the default firewall that comes with your computer—explore advanced options for enhanced protection. By adding an extra layer of security with a reliable firewall, you’ll bolster your digital fortress and keep cyber threats from becoming major problems. Safety first, right?
Using Security Software
One of the best methods for protecting yourself (and your family) online is to use antivirus and security software to detect, manage, and eliminate threats. The simple addition of security software to your computer system or mobile devices can make a significant difference when it comes to staying safe. Some software can even handle multiple devices or an entire network. Others enable network segmentation so you can keep something like the Internet of Things separate from your standard devices. Using industry-leading software, such as the various options offered by TrendMicro Consumer Software and DarkInvader’s dark web monitoring tools, can make the difference between keeping your data safe and finding it plastered all over the dark web (or otherwise stolen or compromised).
Safeguarding Social Media
Preventing identity theft and other security issues while safeguarding your privacy isn’t always simple when it comes to social media. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself. Always find the time to regularly review your privacy settings, and adjust them as needed. It’s never a good idea to keep your personal details—such as your full birthday, address, and phone number—on display for the world to see. It’s also prudent to avoid sharing personal data in public. Even if you’re certain someone is who they say they are online, that doesn’t mean you should share sensitive data with them through social media. Remember, it’s better to be cautious and avoid sharing sensitive data in public, even if you trust the person you’re interacting with. Cybercriminals are always looking for vulnerabilities, so be sure to take a cautious approach and fully protect your online identity/personal information—especially when using social media channels.
Final Thoughts
Keeping yourself and your family safe online is no easy feat. It does require some tools and weapons in an almost never-ending battle against attacks, intrusions, and malware. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available to help the tech savvy consumer overcome these challenges. With the right tools and plenty of knowledge/education, you can create an environment where security and safety is a high priority for your family’s devices any time they go online.
