ESET 5 steps to protect connected devices

As we try to simplify our lives especially in this fast paced era, we rely more and more on us. Who hasn't used their smart device to save a note or put an appointment on their calendar? Or who hasn't acquired smart home devices since it's hard to ignore smart TVs anymore, for example.

However, the proliferation of all these devices poses risks to our security, as gadgets and gizmos, if not properly protected, can become a gateway for cyber criminals.

But what measures can you take to ensure it of your internet-connected devices and mitigate your chances of becoming a victim of a cyber-attack?

As October is Cyber ​​Security Awareness Month, scientists at the global company and ESET highlight the ways you can protect yourself.

Ultimately, the key message of the initiative this year is: "Everything that is going to be connected must be protected!"

Protect your Wi-Fi router

Securing your router should be the first step you take to protect your internet connection. After all, it's the gateway to all your connected devices. A common mistake that users make when installing their Wi-Fi router is not changing the default settings. And while this is convenient for most of us, it can cause huge security. This is why you must immediately change the password you use to connect to your router as well as the password you use to access the device settings.

When changing the router password, select WPA2 (or WPA 3 on newer routers if all your devices can connect). And, as with all devices, remember to update your router with the latest firmware. While many routers do this automatically, it is not a bad idea to check every now and then to make sure everything is up to date. For more tips, you can see the ESET article on ways to check if your router is securely configured.

Be smart with your smartphone

The smartphone is probably the device that most of us use the most. We no longer use it only for calls but also for taking photos, saving files, receiving and sending emails - it is basically a small computer in the palm of your hand. And since it is connected to the internet, you have to protect it. Most smartphones can now be protected with an endpoint security solution that can prevent most threats.

In the meantime, for added protection, you should encrypt all the sensitive data you have on your phone so that it is even more difficult for cybercriminals to use your data even if they have access to your device. You can enhance the security of your smartphone by applying the tips listed by ESET in Article 20 Tips for 2020.

Protect your smart TV

Today, almost all TVs have built-in smart features, and even those with non-smart TVs choose to upgrade them with external streaming devices such as Chromecast or Roku. However, as with various other devices, smart TVs can be hacked by cybercriminals who can either exploit και να πάρουν τον έλεγχο της τηλεόρασής από μακριά ή να τις μολύνουν με κακόβουλο λογισμικό. Για να προστατέψετε την έξυπνη τηλεόρασή σας, θα πρέπει να ξεκινήσετε ρυθμίζοντάς τη σωστά και ελέγχοντας για τυχόν ενημερώσεις λογισμικού. Τέλος υπάρχουν διαθέσιμες λύσεις ασφαλείας που μπορούν ενισχύσουν την ασφάλεια της συσκευής σας.

Encrypt your internet traffic

Another way to enhance your security is to encrypt your movements online. The simplest way is to create a virtual private network (virtual -), το οποίο θα λειτουργεί ως μια κρυπτογραφημένη σήραγγα που θα σας επιτρέπει να κυκλοφορείτε με ασφάλεια στο διαδίκτυο μακριά από τα αδιάκριτα βλέμματα.

The VPN It can also allow you to securely access data stored on your home network even if you are on the other side of the earth. Consider, perhaps, whether it is better to create a separate VPN for each of your connected smart devices to mitigate the risk of breach.

Download updates to your devices

There is no way to say it more clearly: you regularly download updates to your devices! It is true that with many connected devices it may not be easy, or even impossible to apply this tip. However, any fixes, security updates, and upgrades should be installed as soon as they are released.

In this way you will achieve the recovery of specific vulnerabilities that, if left unattended, could be exploited by cybercriminals or simply to further enhance the security of your devices. Do not ignore upgrade messages and do not delay installing an update if you know it is available.

With the number of connected devices in most households steadily increasing, we need to adapt and adopt best cyber security practices. While the convenience of smart devices is great and makes our lives simpler, we must always remember security. Cybercriminals need nothing more than a "crack" to "relax" you out of your wallet.

So do not forget: "Whatever is to be connected, must be protected!"

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