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Cybersecurity For Your Home and Family
WNE Security Publisher
1/12/2024
Cybersecurity for home has become a necessary services for millions of homes across the US. Whether it be your home cameras, banking, social media, computer, or the countless other online devices or applications you use, every household should take the steps to defend themselves from hackers. Due to the ever-changing landscape of technology, the traditional understanding of home security has expanded far beyond locked doors and window sensors. As the world becomes more connected, so does our exposure to potential threats. That’s why the incorporation of cybersecurity measures into home security is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity.
What is Home Cybersecurity
Home cybersecurity services are the first and largest steps individuals can take when taking steps to prepare themselves for this new world of hacking. Home cybersecurity services can help your household understand the threats that you face when dealing with electronic devices and applications and set up measures to prevent a plethora of different cybersecurity concerns. These services range drastically depending on your need, but at its core, home cybersecurity is intended to keep hackers and scammers out of your life along with all their criminal activities.
Why do I need Home Cybersecurity
With the rapid rise of technology, more and more of us are seeing technology becoming more connected with our everyday lives. A prime example of this is smart home devices—like smart thermostats, lights, cameras, and doorbells—have become ubiquitous. These devices, operating on the Internet of Things (IoT), are designed to make life easier. From adjusting the temperature remotely to checking who’s at the door from your smartphone, the perks are undeniable.
However, these conveniences come with a cost. Each device represents a potential access point for cybercriminals. An unprotected smart device can serve as a gateway to your home network, granting hackers access to personal data, financial information, and even the ability to manipulate your home systems.
With technology becoming more incorporated in our everyday lives, we have also seen the rise of value connected to our personal data. Your personal data is a gold mine for cybercriminals. Whether it’s for identity theft, fraud, or selling on the dark web, the information stored in your devices such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, credit card details, etc, have become much more valuable. Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting devices; it’s about safeguarding the valuable information they contain.
Unfortunately, cybercrime isn’t a fleeting trend, it’s a growing industry. In fact, cyberattacks have been increasing both in frequency and sophistication. The FBI has stated that the number of Hacks and Scams in the US is projected to increase with no end in sight, while also stating that the amount of money being lost due to these incidents is already well into the billions. While this happens, many people still refuse to act on their own part due to ideas such as only companies being the only victims of these types of attacks. However, while it may be true that the media typically only focuses on large companies that get hacked, individuals are not being spared. This is expected to be especially true in the soon future due to things such as AI, which will allow a single hacker to launch millions of hack and scam attacks while in the past they were typically only capable of doing a few per day. That’s why it is so critical to protect your current assets, while also preparing yourself for an even more cyber dangerous future.
Another major problem individuals face is the ever-growing complexity of cybersecurity, making it near impossible for the average American to adequately protect their home on their own. Setting up a smart device might seem easy: plug in, connect to Wi-Fi, and you’re good to go. But proper security involves understanding complex network settings, frequent updates, and security protocols. It’s not just about having a strong password. Without a solid understanding of these complexities, homeowners can inadvertently leave gaping security holes.
Beyond the financial and practical implications, a breach in home security can have deep emotional impacts. The sense of violation, of being exposed and vulnerable, can be traumatic. The peace of mind that comes with robust cybersecurity is invaluable.
Learn more about WNE Security products and services that can help keep you cyber safe.
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Common Hacks and Scams
If you actively watch the news, you will know of the many stories of people losing their money in their bank, having their home security cameras or computer/phone cameras hacked, social and financial applications credentials stolen, and malware like spyware, trojans, and ransomware being inserted onto their networks. These stories happen far too often, and unfortunately due to our growing dependence on technology, these stories will only grow in frequency. Here are some important hacks all people should know about.
Network Attack
While a very broad and comprehensive form of attack that can be done in several different ways, a network attack typically is defined as when a hacker gains access to your router through the internet, bypassing the firewall. Believe it or not, a hacker can hack into your router while being nowhere near you your house. Network attacks can be initiated through the internet without any physical need to be close. There are many ways to defend against this, however none of these defenses are part of the default router. Did you know that 95% of houses have insecure router passwords? And no, I don’t mean the password you use to access Wi-Fi, there is actually another password called the default gateway password that comes with a default password typically using “Admin” as the username and “Password” as the password. If you do not change this default password, your network is at an extreme risk of being hacked and possibly already hacked without your knowledge.
Phishing Attack
A phishing attack is when a hacker uses an email, text message, phone call, or fake website to either steal your data or insert malware into your device. Hackers have become experts at making seemingly legitimate communications that are in fact trojans ready to infect your system. Simply by clicking 1 link, you could compromise your entire network along with everything in it leaving you completely under the control of the hacker.
Key Logger
Certain programs and websites then when installed or opened can be used to log every input from your mouse and keyboard, sending this info straight to a hacker. Key loggers can steal sensitive information such as passwords, usernames, and anything else you do on your computer. Keyloggers often lay dormant in your device for weeks and sometimes months, completely undetected, all while stealing your data.
Sim Swap
Another very dangerous hack to look out for is called “Sim Swapping”. This is when a scammer ticks your service provider into thinking that they are you and then proceeds to request a new sim card. If this scam is successful, they can use that sim card to turn any phone of their choosing into your phone, giving them access to all your phone’s data and any application that uses your phone.
How Home Cybersecurity Helps
Home security from a cybersecurity expert is the unfortunate reality we have come into. Cybercrime and cyberthreats are just too common and too sophisticated for someone to either ignore or try and solve themselves. Not only that, cybercrime and cyber threats are expected to grow in these coming years making it essential to be prepared for it when the time arises. This is why help from a home security expert can prepare you for the threats out on the internet and keep you and your family safe.
A common myth about cyber security is that it’s too expensive for the average person and that cybersecurity is only meant for companies. This could not be further from the truth. In reality, there are many cybersecurity companies out there that offer a low and affordable price for people of any budget. This is why if you feel worried about your online security, you should get in contact with an expert today!
What to do
As we continue to integrate technology into our homes, the line between physical and digital security blurs. The two are inextricably linked. Investing in cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting devices—it’s about ensuring the safety and well-being of our families, our assets, and our peace of mind.
You wouldn’t leave your front door unlocked in a neighborhood known for break-ins. In the same vein, in a world where cyber threats loom large, leaving your digital doors unlocked is a risk you simply can’t afford. Engaging with cybersecurity experts ensures that you can enjoy the conveniences of modern life without the looming shadow of digital threats. Don’t wait for a breach to happen; take proactive measures now to secure your home in the digital age.
Stay updated with WNEsecurity’s news section for the latest in cybersecurity trends, threats, and protection measures.
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