4 Tips For Protecting Your Home Network System
Buffalo’s leading home networking company breaks down ways you can stay vigilant
The world has become more reliant on the internet than ever, but we must acknowledge the risks that are a consequence of having unprecedented connections at our fingertips. Protecting your family from cyber threats is easy when you proactively manage your home network. Whether you’re in Buffalo, Orchard Park, Niagara Falls, or Clarence, New York, you can take steps to stay vigilant and prevent yourself from being targeted by hackers and criminals. Read on to learn four tips for securing your network, brought to you by your trusted home networking company.
SEE ALSO: HOW TO OPTIMIZE YOUR NETWORK FOR WORKING FROM HOME
Passwords
The best way to protect your personal information and stay safe is by adding a password to your network, preventing anyone from accessing your home network. Make sure that you change the password on your router from the factory-issued one it comes with when you buy it. Choose a unique and difficult password to guess—avoid common things like pet names and birthdays. For a stronger password, use symbols and case-sensitive letters.
Firewalls and Anti-Virus Software
Firewalls and anti-virus software protect your home network and crucial data. A firewall prevents dangerous programs from entering your system as the first line of defense against threats. It filters outside traffic and prevents outsiders from gaining access to your system. Anti-virus software is built to prevent, identify, and remove malware from your computer. The most common type of malware is a virus, a program that replicates until it kills your system. Other types of malware allow outsiders to spy on you, control your devices remotely, and steal your information. Anti-virus software is robust in detecting potential threats and quarantining them before they become dangerous.
Virtual Private Network
A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, gives you an added level of privacy by masking your IP address, so your online activities are nearly untraceable. Extending your private network across a public one gives you the ability to connect directly to your home without exposing yourself to harm. In addition, VPN services bring greater privacy than secured Wi-Fi hotspots by establishing a secure and encrypted connection.
Router Firmware Updates
Software is important to the security of your wireless network. Your router's firmware contains vulnerabilities that hackers can use to access your system. Companies regularly release patches that remove these vulnerabilities as they are exposed. If your router is not updated, these weaknesses will remain, putting your home network at risk. Unfortunately, some wireless routers don't have the option to auto-update their software, and others require you to turn auto-updates on specifically. Check to see if your router has an auto-update option and if so, turn it on. If not, stay on top of manually updating your software to prevent cybercriminals from targeting your home network.
The best way to keep your home network secure is to work with an expert on your installation. Contact Sound & Theater today by filling out this form or by giving us a call at 716-632-2790 to start your project. We look forward to hearing from you!
