Cybersecurity Awareness - December 2024


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NEED TO KNOW NEWSLETTER     |  DECEMBER 2024

Protecting your home from cybercrimes

Cyber crimes? Not in my home!

Home is where the heart is - and where our personal info lives! This month's newsletter shares tips to help protect your home Wi-Fi from cybercrimes.

Securing your private Wi-Fi1

Your computer, voice assistants, TVs, gaming consoles, and even smart fridges connect to our home Wi-Fi. Ensuring your network is secure protects your personal information.

5 tips for securing your home network

  1. Update your router name

Routers come with an SSID, or network name, which, if left unchanged, reveals the router’s make and model. This makes it easier for hackers to target your network. 

  1. Change router and Wi-Fi passwords

Routers come with preset admin and Wi-Fi passwords, often written on a card or the device itself.  This is an easy way for someone to get into your network. It’s important to change both the router admin password and the Wi-Fi network password.

    • Changing the router admin passwords: The admin password controls your network settings. Changing it is crucial, as it prevents someone from accessing your Wi-Fi password if they breach your network
    • Changing the Wi-Fi passwords: The admin password controls your network settings. Changing it is crucial, as it prevents someone from accessing your Wi-Fi password if they breach your network. Choose one that's unique, memorable, and hard to guess.

You can find instructions on how to change your passwords by searching "how to change [your router manufacturer] admin or Wi-Fi network password."

3. Encrypt your network

Encrypting your network protects your data from hackers. Update your personal router to WPA3 or WPA2. for the best encryption, which scrambles your information and adds extra security.

If your router is older or does not have the WPA2 or WPA3 settings:

    • Older routers with WPA or WEP are insecure. Update your router software to enable WPA2 or WPA3 or consider upgrading for better security.

4. Turn off "Remote Management, "WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) and UPnP (Universal Plug and Play)

These features may be convenient, but they can weaken the network security. 

    • Remote management lets you adjust settings online.
    • WPS connects devices without a password.
    • UPnP allows devices to automatically connect.

5. Set up a guest network

Setting up a guest network allows you to connect your guests to Wi-Fi while keeping your primary network safe and secure. This is a good security measure for two reasons:

    1.  Having a different login means fewer people have access to your primary Wi-Fi.
    2.  If your guest were to have malware (malicious software designed to cause harm to a computer or computer user) on their device, this would prevent that from getting onto your network.

Smart doorbells: Can they be hacked?

Like your phone and laptop, your smart doorbells are vulnerable to security risks. Look for smart doorbells that offer two-factor authentication and alerts for new logins, but you should continue to take extra precautions as well. Here are some tips. 

  • Use a strong username and passphrase
  • Don't share login info; review who has access
  • Avoid sharing videos or pictures on social media

Update, update, update!2

 

Malware often exploits outdated software, so regular updates are crucial. These “patches” fix vulnerabilities, and many systems update automatically. Be cautious of fake update alerts from hackers – only update through official notifications and enable automatic updates to stay secure.

 

Sources: 1https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-secure-your-home-wi-fi-network , 2 “Updates and Patches”, Infosec, https://securityiq.infosecinstitute.com/