4 steps to secure smart devices and home network

Billions of people around the world participate actively in the digital economy and ecosystem every day with the help of their smart devices. These devices are practical, enhance computing capabilities, and are compatible with internet technologies. With the help of smart devices, one can easily nourish relationships across different time zones and cultures. However, the digital ecosystem is only as effective as the trust one puts in it. When we expand our individual digital footprint, strengthen digital personas and permit others to capture data, is exactly when one should cyber-secure the digital ecosystem. This is even more important when these devices consist of a large amount of personal, financial and other sensitive data, which migrate into our living spaces in the shape of smart devices.

Here are 4 easy steps that can create a more cyber-secure home network:

Homeowners and building occupants can take advantage of these steps to help reduce the risk associated with cyber-attacks: 1)

Remove the smart devices from the main home network

People who own or rent a Wi-Fi router that supports virtual LANs or just a Wi-Fi router can dedicate that guest network to your IoT devices. Now this will place the smart devices on a segmented network that has no access to the primary network. This will typically be used to conduct home banking and other activities from a smartphone or PC. 2)

Come up with a separate Wi-Fi Network for IoT Devices

There are several modern routers that come with the ability to connect to a guest network. So when one creates a second network that is dedicated to the IoT devices, one can safeguard their main network against any kind of IoT threats. Now, this means that relatives and friends can log into a network that is not connected to IoT devices. The local devices are only accessible to the person living there. When one puts IoT devices on a different network, it keeps them detached, in case hackers manage to get through. They won’t be able to access personal and important data such as laptops and smartphones. 3)

Make sure that devices have auto-update turned on

A lot of smart home devices offer a software download auto-update option that users can turn on whenever they want. Basically, when the auto-update option is enabled, the IoT devices benefit a lot from ongoing and important security updates. The same goes for home routers, which should also have the auto-update “on”. 4)

Opt for a VPNU (Virtual Private Network)

Most of us are working from home and that is why remote workers should make sure that they are connected to the company’s VPN. It provides a secure tunnel between the home device and the corporate network and keeps all the information present encrypted within that tunnel, preserving confidentiality.

Bottom Line

We all know that more IoT devices are on our way, and they will angle for a place at your home. Smart devices do make our lives easier and smoother. However, don’t forget to secure your smart devices and home network.