Keep Your Home Network Secure with These Easy Tips

Protecting Your Personal Information Is a Top Priority for Real Tech

With cyber threats evolving by the minute, your home networking system must be secure. Without the proper security in place, hackers could gain access to your personal devices, including information about your family’s schedules or financial information. Whether you’re a tech-savvy savant or just getting started with smart home solutions, here are some practical tips for safeguarding your Provo, UT, home network from potential threats.

SEE ALSO: A Beginner’s Guide to Home Power Conditioning

Passwords

While it seems simple, passwords are the most vulnerable to hackers and the foundation of a secure network. Avoid using default or guessable passwords at all costs. Instead, choose passwords that combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, and make them longer than 12 characters. If managing multiple passwords, consider a password manager to store and generate strong passwords for you securely. And, most critically: never use the same password for multiple accounts.

Keep Firmware Updated

As mentioned earlier, cyber threats are evolving by the minute, so updating your threat protection is essential. Product manufacturers often release firmware updates to address new security vulnerabilities and improve the performance of your devices. You can find these updates on the manufacturer’s website, or they may be pushed to your device automatically.

Wi-Fi Security

Protect your Wi-Fi network from unauthorized access by following these best practices:

• Change your network’s default name and avoid using personal information
• Enable Wi-Fi encryption like WPA3 to encrypt data being transmitted over your network
• Disable guest network access if not in use
• Choose a strong Wi-Fi password using the same guidelines mentioned earlier

Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an easy way to add an extra level of security to your smart home devices. This security method typically involves receiving a verification code on your smartphone as a text or email to authenticate your identity. The extra protection 2FA offers means that even if someone gains access to your password, they would need access to additional verification methods to log in and cause damage.

Multiple Networks

If you have many smart home devices, creating a separate network specifically for these may be a good idea. This can be done by setting up a guest network or using a router with a built-in virtual local area network (VLAN). By segregating your devices from your primary home network, you reduce the risk of a compromised device accessing your personal information.

Consult an Expert

If you’d like an audit of your home networking security, contact our expert team at Real Tech. We can help you secure your smart devices and significantly reduce your risk of unauthorized access. Remember, security isn’t a “sometimes” thing; it should be an “all-the-time” thing so you can enjoy the convenience and comfort of your smart home in Provo, UT, with greater peace of mind.