5 Steps to Secure Your Connected Devices | Complete Security

As we want to make our lives easier to manage, especially in this time of rush, we rely more and more on our connected devices. With the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart devices becoming cheaper and more accessible to the general public, it's easier to integrate them into our lives. Let's be honest, who hasn't used their smartphone-based voice assistant to dictate a note or jot down an appointment in their calendar? Or, who has made additions to their household in the form of smart devices; smart televisions, for example, are hard to avoid these days.

However, the proliferation of all these devices in our daily lives also poses a security risk, as gadgets and contraptions, if not properly secured, can be used as new avenues of attack by cyber criminals. So what steps can you take to ensure the security of your internet-connected devices and reduce the risk of falling victim to a cyberattack? On the occasion of Cyber security Awareness Month (CSAM),  we're highlighting ways to protect you. After all, this year's key message is: “What you connect, protect it! "

Secure Your Wi-Fi Router

Securing your router should be the first step in securing your internet connection. After all, it is the gateway to all of your connected devices. A common mistake people make once their Wi-Fi router is installed is that they stick to the default settings. While this is convenient, it can pose a huge security risk, which is why you should immediately change the default password used to log into the router as well as the password used to access the settings. When you change the router password, choose the WPA2 option (or WPA 3 on newer routers if all of your devices can connect to it). And, as with all devices, don't forget to update it with the latest firmware. Indeed, although many routers do this automatically, it is a good idea to check every now and then that everything is up to date. For more tips, you can read our how-to article on how to check if your router is configured securely,. 

Encrypt Your Web Traffic

While we are talking about securing your connectivity and handling your router, another way to increase the security of your website is to encrypt your web traffic. The easiest way is to set up a virtual private network (VPN), which will function as an encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic. In addition to protecting data from prying eyes, it can also allow you to securely access data stored on your home network, even if you are halfway around the world. It may also be prudent to set up a separate VPN for all of your connected smart devices to reduce the risk of hackers.

Act Smart With Your Smartphone

The smartphone is probably the device most of us use the most. We no longer just use it for making calls, but also for taking pictures, storing files, receiving and sending emails - in fact, a small computer in the palm of our hand. And since it is connected to the internet, it must be protected. Most smartphones can now be protected with an access point Complete security solution that can keep most threats at bay. Meanwhile, for added protection, you should also encrypt all sensitive data on your phone so that it is more difficult for cyber criminals to use your data even if they find their way into your device. 20 tips for 2020: Use your smartphone smarter. 

Update (and keep) Your Devices

We can never stress this enough: update your devices regularly. It is true that with many connected devices, it is not always easy, or even possible, to put these tips into practice. Nonetheless, patches, security patches, and updates should be applied as soon as they are released, either to address specific vulnerabilities that, if left unchecked, could be exploited by black hats, or to enhance security. machines. Don't ignore the update prompts, and don't wait to install a patch if you learn it's available.

Protect Your Smart TV

Nowadays, it is rare to find a TV that does not have smart features built in, and while there are still non-smart TVs out there, people regret the usefulness and convenience of smart features so much that they upgrade them with external streaming devices like a Chromecast or Roku. However, like other devices, smart  TVs can be compromised and hijacked by cybercriminals. Attackers could exploit vulnerabilities to control the TV remotely, or the TV could be infested with malware. To protect your smart TV, you must first configure it correctly and check the parameters in detail; While you're at it, you should also check for any firmware updates, and finally, there are some security solutions that can be downloaded that will make your device more secure.

Do Your Part!

As the number of connected devices in most homes continues to increase, we also need to adapt and adopt better cybersecurity practices. While smart devices are very practical and make our lives easier, we should never forget the  security aspect. It only takes a tiny crack for a cybercriminal to breach your wallet. So, don't forget: “What you connect, protect it! "