5 tips to keep smart device safe

Smartwatch, smart TV, smart fridge? All smart. Today we all have some Smart device that connects to the Internet. To make sure our homes are cyber-ready and secure, we need to know what steps to take to get the most out of these devices while avoiding being vulnerable to cybercriminals.

There’s a knock on the door, that smart device you were waiting for has arrived. Just 20 minutes later you are already testing it and you have it connected to the Internet. But wait! Before you go in such a hurry, make sure this new device is cyber-secure.

• When you configure your device remember to put a strong password. This should be easy to remember and hard to figure out. Why not use a passphrase? They are passwords created by three or more words combined.
• If you have more than one smart device make sure you don’t reuse passwords. Each must have its own password. As a general rule, passwords should never be the same or similar to the ones you use for your emails, online banking, or any other platform that contains sensitive information.
• Whenever possible, enable Multi-Factor Authentication . This is an extra layer of security that is used to verify that whoever wants to access an account or device is really who they say they are.
• If you have two Wi-Fi networks at home, make sure you connect them to the network intended for “guests and devices” and not to your personal network. This is like putting up a curtain that does not allow you to see or access what is behind it, in this case your devices that contain sensitive and personal information.
• Verify that your device has the latest updated software version installed. Each version that is current contains updates to the security software that will keep you more protected. If possible, set your device to update automatically whenever a new version of the software is released. If you cannot configure this functionality, spend a few minutes every so often and check that you always use the latest version.

Don’t forget that securing your smart device is the first step you need to take. But protecting your home is also achieved through secure Wi-Fi .

Protect your home, protect your information and your equipment.