When establishing a safe environment at home, we put locks on the doors, latches on the gate, and home security systems that keep uninvited visitors out, and alert us to any intruders. What we physically see is then what we focus on.
But hidden somewhere in your house is an unlocked door – or doors – that may be giving access to information that can be accessed and stolen much more easily than the family heirlooms and jewels. Your home network is an entry point that is far too often overlooked.
With school and work often being done virtually these days, the threat of cybercrime is on the rise as hackers see more and more opportunities presenting themselves to unsuspecting online users. We are using software and hardware that wasn’t purchased for these new scenarios, and the lack of familiarity, coupled with the lack of security, is providing an easy gateway for hackers to gain access. There’s been a huge uptick in cybercrime, as hackers know that much of the workforce has moved from the office to their less secure home networks. At this point, it is not a matter of whether you will have a hacker knocking at your virtual backdoor, but when.
The Numbers Are In
According to Comcast’s recent Xfinity Cyber Health Report, we see that regardless of the level of connectivity within a home, the risk is there. These risks are present from a combination of misinformation and lack of awareness, topped off with a sense of false confidence from consumers. Ninety-six percent of consumers surveyed were unable to answer six basic cybersecurity questions, and eighty-five percent said that they were confident in their precautionary actions. However, sixty-four percent admit that they share passwords with friends and family. The numbers don’t add up to any type of solid cybersecurity plan.
As a provider of technical support, a user of technology, or just someone who carries a mobile phone, this lack of understanding puts you at a major disadvantage to hackers. Why? Because the struggle to create solid awareness and education is lacking and when people aren’t aware or informed, they can’t properly react.
Compounding the problem of cybercrime in itself are the following key findings from the report:
1. Devices that are attacked are mixed. Coming in at #1 on the list are laptops and computers, followed by smartphones, then networked cameras, network storage devices, and streaming video services rounding out the top five.
2. Consumers are underestimating the threat. There is a general belief that on average they were attacked 12 times per month. In reality, it was nine times that amount, coming in at 104 threats per household, per month.
3. The assumption that if it doesn’t have a screen, it isn’t a risk. This is incorrect. These devices have very little or no security protection and are more easily hacked.
The consumers surveyed are business owners and employees. But, whether you are using technology at work or home, IT security awareness is critical. IT departments may be necessary for an office, but IT knowledge is required in all aspects of our lives. We need to stay diligent, and it starts by creating and implementing your own home network security plan. Explore the following links regarding home network security best practices to create your own plan to keep your personal data secure!
https://www.ready.gov/cybersecurity#prepare
https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST15-002
https://homenetworkadmin.com/the-best-home-network-security-plan/
And remember, as always, let’s be careful out there!
-The PJ Networks Team
