3 Easy Ways to Help Hack-Proof Your Home

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Thieves could break into your home without ever setting foot in it. Here are 3 ways to stop hackers in their tracks.

You probably lock your doors, bolt your windows and may even have a security system. But you also probably have internet in your home. If so and you’re only securing the “physical” part of your home, you may be at risk of cyberthreats. Fortunately, there are some quick and easy things you can do to secure the less-visible, internet-connected part of your home. Here are 3:

1. Make sure your internet router software is up-to-date.

One of the easiest ways for hackers to wreak havoc on your home internet is to gain entry through your router. Through your router, hackers may be able to then access internet-connected devices you use in your home. Typically, the router manufacturers will issue software updates patching vulnerabilities. Make sure you register with the router manufacturer as soon as you get it and sign up for updates. Make sure to regularly check for those and install new software versions immediately.

2. Have a strong, regularly changed Wi-Fi password.

Having a weak or non-existent home internet password is like leaving your front door unlocked or open. Make sure you’re using hard-to-guess, regularly changed passwords to make things harder for hackers.

3. Secure internet-connected smart home devices.

These days, computers and smartphones aren’t the only devices you can connect to your home Wi-Fi. Smart thermostats, lights, speakers, security cameras and other smart home devices provide unprecedented convenience, entertainment and peace of mind. Just know, though, that anything connected to your home internet could be a potential vulnerability. Make sure you keep the software updated and passwords secure on all smart home devices because, left unprotected, these devices could provide hackers with a gateway into your home internet.

Bottom line, just because someone can’t set foot in your house doesn’t mean they can’t steal from your home. Treat the internet-connected part of your home just like the physical parts of your home: secure them, monitor them and always make sure they’re up-to-date.

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