Your Router
Securing your internet-connected devices starts with where they all connect: your router.
- First things first, you’ll need to change your router settings from the default ones. Every router comes with default settings, so you’ll want to change the name of your network, username, and password. Make sure you don’t make usernames or passwords easy to guess. For example, you wouldn’t want to use a username or password with your name or address in it.
- Change your router settings to either WPA3 or WPA2 for encryption.
- You’ll also want to keep your router up-to-date by regularly checking for updates.
Protecting your Devices
Security doesn’t stop at the security of your router. You’ll want to make sure each of your devices are also secure.
- You’ll want to change any default usernames and passwords if the device came pre-programmed with that. Ideally, you’ll choose something that is unique to that device and hasn’t been used before.
- When the device offers it, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA typically uses a password and something else (like a code sent to your phone or email, fingerprint scan, etc.) to prove that you own the account/device.
- Make sure you set up device security features from the start. You’ll want to take advantage of the security features on the device like enabling encryption or setting up a passcode lockout.
- Check for updates regularly and keep each of your devices up-to-date.
- Disable features that aren’t being used and disconnect old devices from the network if they are no longer being used.
IP cameras
Unfortunately, IP cameras that let you see and hear live video and audio feeds can also let hackers see your feeds if they somehow get into your account. To make your cameras as secure as possible, you’ll want to change your default settings as well check sign in logs in your administrative settings. Look for things like IP addresses that you don’t recognize, and/or odd access times that don’t fit when you would’ve signed in. If you see or suspect anything unusual, you’ll want to make sure you change your password.
Voice Assistants
Voice assistants are able to listen and respond to your every command. In order to do this, they need to be listening constantly. Depending on your settings, they can even send recordings to the manufacturer. Often this is to improve performance. When setting up a new voice assistant device, make sure you visit your privacy settings and change them to your personal preferences.