wifi – IDefendForYou https://www.idefendhome.com Ultimate Protection for Your Digital Life Fri, 05 Jul 2024 18:27:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://idefendforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-idefend-favicon-32x32.png wifi – IDefendForYou https://www.idefendhome.com 32 32 8 Essentials for Securing Your Smart Home and Protecting Your Privacy https://idefendforyou.com/blog/devicesecurity/8smarthomeessentials/ Thu, 15 Sep 2022 21:19:26 +0000 https://idefendforyou.com/?p=4970 As you introduce more internet connected smart devices into your home and turn it into a “smart” home, you’re also likely making it an “insecure” home.

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  • 8 Essentials for Securing Your Smart Home and Protecting Your Privacy
As you introduce more internet connected smart devices into your home and turn it into a “smart” home, you’re also likely making it an “insecure” home.

In this article

Each smart device is a digital entry point to your personal life and your home network. They capture and hold a treasure trove of personal information like your birth date, entertainment habits, medical needs, energy use, diet and sleep patterns, and even crazy things like the layout of your home.

If you own internet-connected devices such as: smart speakers, TVs, thermostats, fridges, security cameras, doorbells, door locks, robot vacuums, etc., your privacy and security is at stake.

What’s the Risk?

In a best-case scenario, the companies behind these data gathering devices will use the information they collect to launch targeted marketing campaigns at you and sell you more stuff. Or perhaps just sell your consumer profile to the highest bidder.

Your home will be vulnerable to hackers

In a worst-case scenario, predators will hack your home network, steal your identity and money from your online bank accounts, or hijack your home security and camera systems to watch you, assault you or burglarize you. Scary, right? Even if you’ve given up on fighting for your privacy, this possibility should wake you up.

How to Secure Your Smart Home

Bottom line, if you’re investing money in the coolest new technology and making yourself a smart home, you must also invest some time, energy, and resources to protect it.

Here are eight ways to re-enforce your home cyber defenses.

1. Secure Your Wi-Fi Router

Your Wi-Fi router is the doorway to your smart home. Creating a safer smart home starts with your router. It’s what connects all your IoT devices and makes them so valuable. Here’s what you can do to set up a secure Wi-Fi router:

  • Change the router’s default name. Don’t stick with your router’s default name, which is usually its make and model. Change it to an unusual name that’s not associated with you or your address. Don’t give away any personal identifiers.
  • Set a strong Wi-Fi password. Set the router’s password to something truly unique. Use complex passwords made up of letters, numbers, and symbols. The longer the better.
  • Use the Highest Level of Encryption. Set your router’s encryption level to the highest level possible (WPA3 is best, but WPA2 is fine).

 

2. Create Separate Wi-Fi Networks

Create a separate Wi-Fi login on your router for your “smart home network”. This is what you connect all your IoT (Internet of Things) devices to, and it’s separate from your primary home Wi-Fi login for your computers and phones.

This means relatives, friends and other guests are not logging into your smart home network, and it’s only accessible by you. If you work from home, you may want to consider creating yet another “work” network login to keep your work separate from everything else.

3. Turn Off Listening Modes

Do you ever feel like someone is eavesdropping on you? If you own a smart speaker or smart phone, your concern is valid. They’re pretty much always listening.

Nearly all voice-activated technology uses microphones that listen for key words and vocal cues. Companies like Apple, Facebook and Google hear all your commands and can potentially pick up conversations if your device thinks it hears a key word. This also true for many smart TVs and a variety of other devices with voice activation and camera features.

If you want to take control of your privacy and keep conversations “behind closed doors,” turn off smart speakers when not in use, and change your phone’s privacy settings to turn off your microphone for everything but phone calls and voice-to-text features.

With your devices no longer listening, you can relax and feel a bit less paranoid about using your tech. You can always turn the microphones back on again if you want to use them. Just make sure you’re careful about what you say when they’re on — and don’t forget to turn them off when you’re finished.

4. Protect Your Home Security System

As crazy as it sounds, an insecure home alarm device can be a major security risk to you and your family! A hacked security system could give predators permission to use or disable your cameras, unlock doors to let a burglar in, or even lock you out of your own home.

Be sure to connect your home alarm system to your segregated smart home Wi-Fi network. Also be sure your security hardware (cameras, locks and panel) stays updated and patched by the manufacturer.

5. Disable Features You Don’t Use

Many IoT devices give you the ability to control them from anywhere with your smart phone. But if you only use your smart home devices when you are home, consider disabling remote access. Likewise, some devices such as smart speakers have Bluetooth connectivity in addition to Wi-Fi. If you don’t use the Bluetooth feature, turn it off.

Smart TVs come with voice control, but this feature often goes unused. It may sound paranoid but an active mic on a TV, if hacked, can also be used to pry on your conversations. Disabling features you don’t use is all about blocking as many entry points as possible.

6. Use Authorized Apps Only

Many smart devices allow homeowners to remotely turn on and off lights, turn on ovens, or open and close garage doors by integrating third-party mobile apps. But apps without secure authorization may allow people other than you to impersonate you and operate your devices if they get their hands on your phone.

Fake or unauthorized apps can be used by hackers to compromise your smart phone, potentially giving them the ability to do things like remotely lock and unlock your front door. Use only authorized apps and platforms to control your smart devices.

7. Keep Your Devices Updated

Smart devices need to be kept updated as the manufacturer releases fixes for security flaws over time. Outdated software and firmware on devices can make it easier for cyber criminals to exploit them.

The best way to protect your devices is to buy from reputable brands that make security a top priority, and where possible set them to update automatically when new software is available. This way, you’ll have the latest security patches that close known loopholes, minimize the risk of malware infections, and keep your smart home running smoothly and safely.

Your home Wi-Fi router and some smart devices may not automatically update. So be sure to do a manual check a few times a year on these devices and install any pending updates.

8. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication is an added layer of security requiring a second form of validation or proof that it’s really you logging into your device. You see this commonly with a one-time pin or verification code sent to your phone or email that you must enter to confirm you are authorized to login.

Most smart devices have the multi-factor authentication feature available by default. Be sure to enable this where you can. For devices that don’t have this feature built into their apps, see if you can enable two-factor authentication (2FA) by using third-party apps such as Google Authenticator.

Take Charge of Your Smart Home

You can purchase the most expensive Wi-Fi routers and smart devices from top brands and yet, at the end of the day, your personal and home cyber defense is in your hands.

Performing a device inventory

Take inventory of what devices you have right now that connect to your home Wi-Fi. If you have old devices that are not receiving security updates and patches from the manufacturer, consider replacing them with newer technology. Do a factory reset on old devices before giving them away.

Choose devices with adjustable privacy settings

Carefully look for smart devices where you are in control of your privacy and security. Be sure you can enable full privacy settings and turn off mics and cameras easily. Or consider whether there are good alternatives for devices that don’t connect to the internet and your home network.

Using the recommendations here as a starting point you can take action now to better protect yourself and your loved ones.

Getting Expert Help

If you don’t have the time or would rather have trusted experts help you maintain a safe and private smart home, you can subscribe to a personal and home cyber protection service such as IDefendForYou that provides you with a complete protection plan for a surprisingly low cost.

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]]> Easy Cyber-Safe Summer Travel Tips https://idefendforyou.com/blog/onlineprivacy/summertraveltips/ Thu, 20 May 2021 18:21:43 +0000 https://idefendforyou.com/?p=5852 Masks are coming off, holiday travel is opening up, and cyber criminals are ready to seize your personal information and your money as you try to escape. So, while you make your summer vacation plans, be sure you are cyber-safe while traveling and continue to stay protected after you return.

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  • Easy Cyber-Safe Summer Travel Tips
Masks are coming off, holiday travel is opening up, and cyber criminals are ready to seize your personal information and your money as you try to escape. So, while you make your summer vacation plans, be sure you are cyber-safe while traveling and continue to stay protected after you return.

In this article

Identity theft and cybercrime continue to rise at epidemic levels, and with a care-free summer of travel and vacations coming, thieves have come up with new schemes and employed a series of cyber-attacks that are now being unleashed upon the unsuspecting public. Here are some of the most important things you can do to stay cyber-safe when you leave home and hit the road.

Tips for mobile devices

When we travel most of us use our mobile phones for nearly everything, such as maps, staying in touch with family and friends, travel reservations, etc. It’s important to remember that your mobile devices constantly send and receive data, and the information on your mobile device is often more valuable than your suitcase or wallet.

Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself by securing your mobile devices:

  • Update your devices: One of the most effective ways to stay cyber-safe is to continuously update your devices. Most updates contain critical security fixes to keep you protected.
  • Use strong passcodes/passwords: Lock your device with a long passcode of 6 or 8 numbers, or better yet with facial recognition. On laptops, a minimum of 8-12 character password is recommended using uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.
  • Use caution with Bluetooth: Disable your Bluetooth networking while you are travelling to prevent unwanted connection attempts. When you pair your device with a car, your personal information is stored on the car’s system. It’s best to not pair devices with rental cars, but if you do, make sure you delete any stored data and remove your device from the rental car’s paired device list.
  • Keep track of your devices: Ensure that your devices are kept secure while in public places such as airports, hotels, and restaurants. Devices can be easily stolen, which allows access to very private and sensitive information.
  • Set up “find my phone”: Enabling this feature will allow you to find, remotely wipe data and/or disable the device if it gets into the wrong hands.
  • Make a backup before you go: It’s a smart idea to back up your device and your data files to another device or a cloud storage program service.

Tips when using public Wi-Fi

Using open public Wi-Fi at the airport, hotel or a cafe may be convenient, but public Wi-Fi networks and hotspots are not secure. Anyone using the same Wi-Fi connection can potentially see what you are doing on your device, making it an ideal location for hackers to find their next victim.

  • Ensure your device is set to ask permission before automatically connecting to a wireless network while you are traveling.
  • Only use secured Wi-Fi that requires login credentials and passwords.
  • Use the internet data from your cell phone. Create a Wi-Fi hotspot from your smartphone or consider using a trusted virtual private network (VPN) if you need a more secure connection.
  • Avoid logging into your personal accounts or making transactions while on public or hotel networks.

Tips for sharing on social media

Leave your travel plans off social media and consider posting photos and updates about your trip after your return. Opportunistic criminals that are tracking you on social media might see you are gone and attempt to break in and steal from your home.

Fraudsters may also attempt to contact your friends and family with various email and messaging scam tactics by posing as you and asking for emergency money to be able to get back home. Consider setting your social media accounts to only allow friends to view your posts and content.

Final tip

To reduce your worries and get some peace of mind while traveling, consider enrolling in a complete identity theft and cyber protection service such as IDefendForYou. You should know who to contact on a moment’s notice if you ever have a cyber-safety problem.

Should you lose a wallet, your bank cards get hacked and money stolen, your phone or computer gets hacked, or your identity is stolen while you are away, it’s wise to have a world-class cyber protection service you can contact for immediate expert help. Otherwise, your wonderful vacation may end in a nightmare.

For help setting up your travel cyber-safety plan before you go, contact one of our friendly IDefendForYou Advisors.

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]]> Your Guide to Smart Home Cybersecurity https://idefendforyou.com/blog/devicesecurity/smarthomecybersecurityguide/ Mon, 05 Apr 2021 02:59:28 +0000 https://idefendforyou.com/?p=5805 If you're like millions of other people, you've got at least one or two smart home devices laying around. Did you know these devices pose real security risks? What can you do to secure them?

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  • Your Guide to Smart Home Cybersecurity
If you're like millions of other people, you've got at least one or two smart home devices laying around. Did you know these devices pose real security risks? What can you do to secure them?

In this article

The advancement of technology in the past decade has been unprecedented. Our original expectations a smart home would provide where met in some ways and exceeded in others. We can now listen to a song by simply asking for it to be played, monitor our children and property, yet also have smart refrigerators.

With all these grand advancements has come with new threats and challenges with your cyber security. Is your smart device listening in and recording what you say? Have your security cameras been compromised allowing someone to observe your family without your knowledge? These possibilities have been the reality for some, but we will discuss what you can do to better protect yourself from this same fate.

How criminals hack smart homes

There are a few particular ways that thieves can sneak their way into your system such as joining onto your WiFi or finding an exploit through an app’s security on your phone. Smart home devices can unintentionally contain sensitive personal information such as credit card data, date of birth. A hacker can even hijack your device without you realizing, since it will appear to continue functioning normally but be quietly eavesdropping on you from behind the scenes.

Another way your personal information can become unintentionally accessible is through a corporate data breach. Hackers infiltrate a company, steal all their customers’ information, and either use it themselves or expose it on the dark web, selling it to the highest bidder.

Massive data breaches can compromise your credit card information, social security number, and whatever else they can get their hands on. With what was stolen they could simply start opening new credit cards, take out loans under your name, or impersonate you in a number of other sinister ways.

How to secure your WiFi

Whether you realize it or not, your home WiFi might be granting more access to your data than you prefer. By taking a few steps to secure it, you can strengthen this flaw in your security.

  1. Protect your private WiFi. Setting up a guest WiFi on a separate network can better protect your information. At times, though rare, friends or family could use the opportunity of being on your WiFi to compromise data. Creating a separate, guest, network prevents this.
  2. Ensure that your WiFi router has a strong password. A router’s default name often contains product information that a knowledgeable hacker can use to identify and exploit any known vulnerabilities that particular model might have. If your WiFi doesn’t contain a password, then you are allowing any and everyone who is within the routers strength to have direct, free access.
  3. Change your WiFi network’s default name. The default name can include insights that you don’t want to be made public, and a knowledgeable hacker can take what little information is displayed and capitalize on it.
  4. Switch your router to a WPA2 (or better) encryption. Other encryptions may not be as strong, allowing for others to break in easier. This is because your WPA2 network provides an unique encryption key for each wireless client that connects to it. To set this up you can go into your network setting, and you’ll see the option which lists the different kinds of connections. (WPA2, TKIP, WPA, or AES) There you can select which connection, and save that setting. You will need to confirm your network password as well, but once it is saved, your new connection will be active.

 

Understand that if you change your network connection type, or password, then all who are connected to the network will need the new password to get connected to the network again.

Device and app settings

You can control the amount of information that is shared between your smart devices. For example, on your bluetooth device app settings, you can go in and turn off certain data sharing information. One important feature to disable is to disable remote access authorization unless in use. This will create a much smaller window for attacks on your devices which further prevents them to be compromised.

For each smart device that is connected through your phone or WiFi, be sure to check your phone’s settings for the device. You will be able to see all the different options you can switch on or off. Be mindful of what is allowed to be “on” as these settings can be where your private information is more at risk.

Update your smart devices

Another important note is to always be mindful of keeping your devices up to date. Updates can carry vital protection on new security measures. If you’re running older software, cyber criminals can exploit the holes the older software contains into the app and device itself.

When prompted by your phone or device, always update it. If for whatever reason updates are turned off, usually you can manually check for updates and start them yourself; they take only a couple of minutes, but can make a world of difference.

How to enjoy greater peace of mind

Risks with your smart devices and WiFi exist, but the more precautions you take the better you can enjoy them with sound peace of mind. The cyber world is ever-changing as cyber criminals continually evolve to find new ways to exploit your information. Smart devices can be complicated, but managing them properly can create an all around improved experience.

IDefendForYou’s device security support includes unlimited technical support and assistance configuring and managing your smart home. Let us know if we can help and give you the peace of mind you deserve.

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]]> How to Secure Your Router in 4 Steps https://idefendforyou.com/blog/devicesecurity/4stepssecurerouter/ Tue, 28 Apr 2020 16:55:28 +0000 https://idefendforyou.com/?p=5831 Upping the security on your router might seem like a bunch of technobabble or mumbo jumbo, but we'll break it down for you here.

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Cyberhood Watch >

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  • How to Secure Your Router in 4 Steps
Upping the security on your router might seem like a bunch of technobabble or mumbo jumbo, but we'll break it down for you here.

In this article

Your router is the gateway to the internet for your home. Every single device on your home network connects to the world via your router, so configuring and guarding it is extremely important.

1. Determine router make & model

The first step to securing your wifi router is to access the device’s admin page, which will give you access to all the advanced settings it’s capable of and allow you to configure them to your liking.

There are a couple ways this can be done. If you have the instructions that came with your router, they will likely be able to tell you how to get to the admin login page. Otherwise, if you are already familiar with getting to your router’s admin page go there now and skip this step.

If you are missing the instructions, click on the button below to head to a website that will help you look up your router’s IP address, which you’ll use to log in.

If you’re unsure of what make/model your router is, most models will have a sticker or label affixed to the side, bottom, or rear of the device that should have the necessary information.

Look up your router

2. Find your IP address

For Windows

Open the command prompt from your start menu (try searching for “cmd” in the search bar on your taskbar usually located on the bottom of the screen).

Type “ipconfig /all” (without quotes) and look for the line that says “default Gateway”. The router’s IP should be the numbers listed on that line (example: Default Gateway ……….: 192.168.1.1).

For macOS

Click on the network icon on your status bar on the top right of your screen. You should see a list of nearby networks and the one you are connected to.

On the bottom of the list, click on Network Preferences.

In the network preferences window on the bottom right, you should see a button labeled “Advanced…”, click on it.

Click on the “TCP/IP” section towards the top, and find “router”.

Finally, the number here is the IP address to your router.

3. Log into your router’s admin page

Once you have found the IP address for your router, type it in the address bar usually on the top of your favorite web browser (Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc..) If you are renting a router from your internet service provider (ISP) and get stuck, we’d suggest calling your ISP and they should be able to point you in the right direction. Our technicians will be glad to help too, but your ISP will be the most familiar with the router they provided you.

4. Setting network encryption

Ensure the network security is set to at least WPA-2 PSK. If available, however, select WPA-3. Sometimes there are compatibility issues between older wifi devices and a router with this level of encryption, so eselecting WPA2-PSK AES + WPA-PSK TKIP can help to remedy or bypass this issue. If these options aren’t available, try checking for a router firmware update. Otherwise, you should seriously consider upgrading to a newer router for better security.

Configuring a router can be complicated and annoying. If you have any Questions or need help understanding and configuring your router, be sure to give us a call.

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]]> How to Connect to Your WiFi Network https://idefendforyou.com/blog/devicesecurity/howtoconnecttowifi/ Tue, 07 Apr 2020 16:34:08 +0000 https://idefendforyou.com/?p=5813 This guide has the basic steps to connect to a WiFi network on: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS (iPhone or iPad).

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  • How to Connect to Your WiFi Network
This guide has the basic steps to connect to a WiFi network on: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS (iPhone or iPad).

In this article

Connecting to a wireless (WiFi) Network is something you should be familiar with in today’s digital age. Our step-by-step guide will get you up and running in no time. If you are experiencing slow internet, check out our tips for increasing your internet speeds from home.

Connect to WiFi on your Windows Computer

As long as everything is plugged in and working properly, this shouldn’t take more than a minute of your time.

Step 1: Find your WiFi Network

Find your network icon, by default in the bottom right corner of your screen. It may look like a globe, a computer monitor, or a wireless signal.

Clicking on here will bring up a list of all the WiFi networks within range—even those from your neighbors’ houses—so make sure you pick the correct one. If you don’t know the name of your network, you’ll need to look on your router to see if it’s listed, or call your internet provider.

Step 2: Put in your Password

If you don’t know what the password is (also known as a “network key”), you’ll need to look on your router to see if it’s listed, or call your internet provider. Otherwise, typing in the password is all you need to do for this step. You should now be connected.

Connect to WiFi on your Mac Computer

As long as everything is plugged in and working properly, this shouldn’t take more than a minute of your time.

Step 1: Find your WiFi Network

Click on your WiFi icon in the top-right of your screen, and find the name of your network in the list below.

Clicking on here will bring up a list of all the WiFi networks within range—even those from your neighbors’ houses—so make sure you pick the correct one. If you don’t know the name of your network, you’ll need to look on your router to see if it’s listed, or call your internet provider.

Step 2: Put in your Password

If you don’t know what the password is (also known as a “network key”), you’ll need to look on your router to see if it’s listed, or call your internet provider. Otherwise, typing in the password is all you need to do for this step. You should now be connected.

Connect to WiFi on your Android Phone or Tablet

As long as everything is plugged in and working properly, this shouldn’t take more than a minute of your time.

Since almost every Android device looks and behaves a bit differently from one to the other, try looking in your device’s manual, searching online by the make/model, or contacting their support. We are also happy to try our hand at assisting you over the phone.

Step 1: Find your WiFi Network

Locate your WiFi icon and tap it to turn it on (sometimes you will need to “long-press” on the icon to open a list of networks). You can find this in your settings or via a “pull-down” menu on the top of your screen—simply drag your finger down from the top of the screen to open it.

Tapping here will bring up a list of all the WiFi networks within range of your device—even those from your neighbors’ houses—so make sure you pick the correct one. If you don’t know the name of your network, you’ll need to look on your router to see if it’s listed, or call your internet provider.

Step 2: Put in your Password

If you don’t know what the password is (also known as a “network key”), you’ll need to look on your router to see if it’s listed, or call your internet provider. Otherwise, typing in the password is all you need to do for this step. You should now be connected.

Connect to WiFi on your iPhone or iPad

As long as everything is plugged in and working properly, this shouldn’t take more than a minute of your time.

Step 1: Find your WiFi Network

Open Settings and tap on the WiFi option. This should show you a list of nearby networks. Find your’s in the list and tap on it to connect.

Tapping here will bring up a list of all the WiFi networks within your device’s range—even those from your neighbors’ houses—so make sure you pick the correct one. If you don’t know the name of your network, you’ll need to look on your router to see if it’s listed, or call your internet provider.

Step 2: Put in your Password

If you don’t know what the password is (also known as a “network key”), you’ll need to look on your router to see if it’s listed, or call your internet provider. Otherwise, typing in the password is all you need to do for this step. You should now be connected.

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