Computer security is something that we must take care of in all areas. We must protect our equipment, our online accounts, the services we use … However, something fundamental is to maintain the security of our homes, of all the equipment that is connected to the network. Especially those who even use their home network for work. In this article we are going to give a series of important tips that we can take into account.
Protect our home network, essential to avoid problems
It is not enough to keep a specific computer safe, such as our computer or mobile. We must always preserve security in all the devices we use connected to the home network, as well as the network itself.
There are many attacks that we can suffer and that are directed at specific devices (a mobile phone, a computer, a television …), but also in a generic way or at the network itself. We must therefore make use of all kinds of tools and functions that can act as a barrier against hackers who try to access the equipment.
Today there are many users who work from home. This means that they connect company computers to the home network or connect to company services and platforms from home. This also means that we must increase precautions so as not to have problems.
Tips to protect computer security at home
We are going to give a series of recommendations that we can apply to our equipment and systems in order to improve computer security in our home. The goal is for all devices to be secure, as well as the home network itself, to prevent the entry of intruders and attacks.
Use strong passwords
A fundamental step to protect computer security in our homes is to use passwords that are strong and complex . This applies to all types of systems that we use, devices, keys to access platforms, etc.
A strong password must contain additional letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and symbols. All this in a random way and not use it in any other place to take extreme precautions.
Also, as an additional point, it is convenient to enable two-factor authentication whenever it is available. In this way we will achieve an extra security barrier to protect ourselves on the network.
Separate the work from the personal
As we say, today many users use their home network for work. This means that they will connect to company systems or will use certain work tools.
Our advice is to separate the work from the personal at the device level. That is, to have an exclusive team for work and another for personal use. In this way we will reduce the risk and also protect the security of our home network.
Keep the router in good condition
Without a doubt, the router plays a fundamental role in all this. It is the device that allows us to connect to the network, which allows managing all connection requests. We must pay attention to everything that surrounds this equipment and keep it in good condition.
Updating the firmware , for example, is essential. Also avoid maintaining the configuration that comes from the factory, protect the security points that we have available, etc.
Security tools
Security tools cannot be missing from all teams. A good antivirus will prevent the entry of malware that compromises its proper functioning. There are many attacks and types of malicious software that we can receive, but there are also many options to protect ourselves.
This is something that we must apply regardless of the operating system we are using or the type of device. In addition, we can also count on the possibility of using a firewall for our home network.
Everything updated correctly
There are many occasions in which we can suffer vulnerabilities. Any type of program or operating system can have security flaws that could be exploited by hackers.
It is vital that we have all the necessary updates to protect ourselves. On the one hand, we will prevent those failures from being exploited, but we will also improve the performance of the teams.
Securing IoT devices
The Internet of Things is increasingly present in our homes. We are talking about devices such as televisions, smart bulbs, video players … If we want to protect our network, something essential is that this type of equipment is safe. They are widely used by hackers to access home networks.
It is essential that we encrypt them with passwords and that we keep them up to date, as well as configure different security aspects that they may have. Only in this way will we be protected and prevent them from being the gateway to threats.
Protect wireless networks
Another essential point to protect computer security in our homes is to have secure wireless networks . Wi-Fi is widely used by all kinds of devices. However, that also means that it can be the entry of different types of attacks if we do not have it properly protected.
It is essential that we use a strong password on Wi-Fi, as well as current encryption, avoiding obsolete ones such as WEP. Also change the name that comes from the factory.
Opt for a VPN
If we are going to use the home network to access work or company services, a good idea is to use a VPN. There are many options that we have at our disposal and for remote work it may be necessary, in addition to improving safety.
A VPN , among other things, encrypts our connection. The data travels as if it were in a tunnel, thus preventing possible intruders from intercepting the information. But it also allows us to connect remotely as if we were in another physical location.
In short, these are some essential tips that we must apply to properly protect our home networks and not run any security risk.
