Most homes\u00a0have devices linked to their\u00a0wireless networks, including computers, laptops, gaming devices, TVs, tablets, and smartphones that access the Internet. To protect your home network and your family, you need to have the right tools in place and confidence that you and your family members can use the Internet safely and securely.<\/p>\n
Secure Your Computers \/ Devices<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n The first step is to keep a clean machine and make sure all of your Internet-enabled devices have the latest operating system, web browsers and security software. These are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats.\u00a0 This includes mobile devices that access your wireless network.\u00a0 Whenever possible, enable automatic updating.<\/p>\n If possible, have two computers at home: one for parents and one for the children.\u00a0 If you are sharing one computer, make sure you have separate accounts for everyone and the children do not have privileged (administrative) access.<\/p>\n Secure Yourself<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n Cyber attackers have learned years ago that the best way to get something is simply to ask for it. Use your common sense as your best defense.\u00a0 If a message seems odd, suspicious, or too good to be true, it may be an attack.\u00a0\u00a0 Examples:<\/p>\n Someone calls your pretending to be Microsoft tech support. They claim your computer is infected and would like remote access to your computer to \u201cfix\u201d it, or want you to purchase their fake anti-virus software.<\/p>\n \u201cPhishing\u201d emails are very convincing and are designed to fool you into opening an infected attachment or clicking on a malicious link. These emails may appear to come from a friend or organization you know.\u00a0\u00a0If you are not sure or something just doesn\u2019t look right, call the user or company using a phone number you know to be valid and legitimate.\u00a0 With the explosion of social media, cyber criminals may even use details from your social media accounts to craft a customized message.<\/p>\n Secure Your Home Network<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n A wireless network means connecting an Internet access point \u2013 such as a cable modem \u2013 to a wireless router. Going wireless is a convenient way to allow multiple devices to connect to the Internet from different areas of your home. However, unless you secure your router, you\u2019re vulnerable to people accessing information on your computer, using your Internet service for free and potentially using your network to commit cyber crimes.<\/p>\n Secure your Accounts<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n Like most people, you probably have many accounts online and on your devices and computers. Here are some simple steps to protect them:<\/p>\n Have You Been Hacked?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n No matter how secure you are, sooner or later you may become a victim of an online crime or even hacked. Here are some tips:<\/p>\n Most homes\u00a0have devices linked to their\u00a0wireless networks, including computers, laptops, gaming devices, TVs, tablets, and smartphones that access the Internet. To protect your home network and your family, you need to have the right tools in place and confidence that … Continue reading \n
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