Cyber Security at Home: 7 Practical Tips

Become aware of online threats

Being aware of the risks allows you to recognize and prevent cyber security threats at home. Learn how to identify the signs of threats to protect your personal and financial information.

The most common home cybersecurity threats are:

• Malwaremalware: is malicious software that can damage or steal data from your device (computer, tablet or phone). Malware can spread through emails, attachments, websites and unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.

• Phishing -pronounced fishing: cybercriminals send emails that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as banks, businesses and even family members! These messages often contain links or attachments that can install malware on your computer or phone.

• Smishingis the same as the previous one (phishing) but instead of emails, text messages are used.

• Ransomwareransomware: is a type of malware that locks data and demands a ransom to unlock it. Ransomware is usually spread through emails or attachments.

• Social engineeringcybersecurity: is the most common home cybersecurity threat; it is a technique to trick people into revealing personal or financial information. It uses false identities, manipulation techniques, and creates a sense of urgency.

• Hacking -pronounced jakeo: is the unauthorized access to a computer system, computer network, or website account. This technique is used to steal data, disrupt service, or cause damage ranging from sympathetic to disastrous. We commonly hear that someone "hacked a social network account to post damaging information," but in reality the hacking occurred earlier, when the cybercriminal obtained the access data to that account (and probably much more).

• DDoS attacksDDoS attacks: are attacks that saturate a website, or a computer system, by sending an incredibly large amount of Internet traffic. DDoS attacks are often used to interrupt the service of a website or an application. Websites such as Microsoft's or Zara's are regularly attacked.

Create strong passwords and use multiple authentication

Ensure that your passwords are strong, and use multiple authentication to strengthen cybersecurity at home.

The password must be unique and difficult to guess, using a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. It is recommended that it be at least 10 digits long. Avoid using personal information such as names or birth dates, and never use the same password for multiple accounts.

For an additional layer of cybersecurity at home, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is recommended, which requires a second verification method to access an account. This can be a code sent to your phone - or an authentication app - which protects you even if someone knows your password.

Banks and some web platforms are already requiring it. For others it is still optional. Google has an authenticator that you can start using.

See the 25 most ridiculous passwords that take less than a second to decipher.

Be careful on social networks

Maintain your privacy on social networks. A lot of personal information is stored there, and sharing information indiscriminately increases your vulnerability.

All social networks offer privacy controls that allow you to define who has access to your posts.

In addition, it is essential to limit the personal information you share online, as overexposure puts your security and privacy at risk not only in the virtual world.

Regularly update the software on your devices

Keep your devices and software up to date. Regular updates address security vulnerabilities that cyber criminals could exploit.

Most operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux), devices (tablets and cell phones), and all types of software offer the option to enable automatic updates. Ask your trusted technician for help to make this configuration safe.

Protect your Wi-Fi network at home

Another home cybersecurity tip is to periodically change the password of your Wi-Fi router to avoid network intrusions.

Wi-Fi theft is a common threat, unauthorized access must be detected and prevented. Choose a secure network name (SSID) and password for your Wi-Fi network. Be sure to select a unique SSID that does not reveal personal information and set a complex password, combining uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.

In addition, enable WPA3 encryption on your router to add an extra layer of cyber security at home. Ask your Internet service provider for help in making these adjustments.

Shop on secure websites

Buy only from reputable and reliable websites. Establish a solid relationship of trust with those sites where you shop.

Verify the authenticity of a website before providing your personal and financial information. Be on the lookout for bogus offers that seem too good to be true, or fraudulent websites that try to steal your information.

This video provides more information on cyber security in the home:

Teach your children

In addition to educating them about online risks, the parental controls available will help you monitor and limit your children's online access. You can restrict access to inappropriate websites, and control the time they spend online.

Be sure to set strong passwords to prevent children from overriding them. Explore the parental control options available on your devices and installed applications.

Talk to your children about online risks, such as inappropriate content, cyberbullying and interactions with strangers. Teach them to recognize danger signs and how to act if they face an uncomfortable situation online. Tell them about these cyber safety tips at home.

Recommended home cyber security tools

Below is a list of essential tools to consider.

Antivirus and Antimalware:
A reliable antivirus and antimalware suite is your first line of defense. These tools scan your system for malicious software and effectively remove it. Be sure to keep your antivirus programs up to date to be protected against the latest threats.

Personal firewalls:
A personal firewall is software that monitors incoming and outgoing traffic on your network. It can block unauthorized access and prevent attacks. Operating systems often include firewalls that you should enable to improve your security.

Password Managers (Password Manager):
A password manager can generate, store and fill in passwords securely, without you having to remember them. Do not use your browser's password manager, as it is easily accessible to a cybercriminal.

VPN (Virtual Private Network):
A VPN encrypts your Internet connection providing anonymity and additional security when surfing the web. It is especially useful if you work remotely.

Automatic Updates:
Make sure that both your operating system and your applications are configured to receive automatic updates.

Data Backup (Backups):
Having backup copies will allow you to recover your information in case of data loss due to system failure or malware attack.

→ You can also regularly visit the Government Cyber Security Recommendations.

Conclusion

There is a very high risk of becoming a victim of online crime. Unknown websites, or suspicious emails could contain hidden malware that monitors your activities for account numbers, passwords, and other sensitive data.

If everything explained in this article seems extensive, at least follow this basic guide to cyber security at home:

1. Create strong passwords and update them regularly.
2. Avoid using the same password for multiple sites or applications.
3. Do not use the browser's password manager (when it asks you to record the password you just entered). Instead, use a known password manager, e.g. LastPass.
4. When possible, enable 2-Step Authentication. In addition to your password, you will be prompted for an additional code sent to your phone or email.
5. Avoid surfing on unknown sites. If you have no other choice, be sure to clear your browser cookies as soon and as often as you can.
6. If you receive an urgent email requesting you to take action, do not open or click on its contents. Send it to the spam folder. To verify its authenticity, carefully check the sender's email address. For example: notificaciones@netflix.com vs. notificaciones@rhksiu3453-netflix.com (the second one is fake).

Remember the importance of being aware of the cyber security threat at home. Follow the tips outlined here to get off to a great start.