Last update: 09/02/2022

Smart watch? Smart TV? Smart Fridge? Smart something… nowadays most people have a device that is connected to the internet. To make sure our homes are cyber ready and secure, we need to think about how we can use these devices safely so that we don’t make ourselves vulnerable to cyber criminals. 
 

Your smart device arrived. It’s new, it’s cool, and it’s exciting. Twenty minutes later it’s connected and you are taking it for a spin. But wait! Before you go crazy, make sure you device is cyber ready. 

• When setting up your device make sure to choose a good password. This should be easy to remember and hard to guess. Why not try a passphrase – four or more words combined as a password. 
• More than one device, don’t reuse your passwords. Make sure each device has a different password. Passwords should never be the same or similar to the ones you use online for your email, online banking or any other site that contains sensitive information. 
• Where possible enable multi factor authentication (MFA). This is an extra layer of security used to make sure that people trying to gain access to an account or device are who they say they are. 
• If you have two Wi-Fi networks at home, make sure you connect it to the “Friends & Devices” network and not your personal one. This is like putting a screen or curtain up, now it’s harder to “see” or get to the information on the other side. 
• Always make sure that your device has the latest software installed. Software updates contain valuable security updates to keep you safe. If possible, set them to install automatically so you don’t have to worry. If they don’t have an automatic update, take some time to make sure you have the latest software running.

Don’t forget, securing your device is one step, but protecting your home also means securing you Wi-Fi. 

Protect your home. Protect your information and equipment.