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Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, cybercrime has exploded.
In the first half of 2020 alone, there was a 600% increase in cyberattacks. Since then, the upward trend has continued, with social engineering scams and ransomware attacks on the rise.
Several high-profile breaches over the past months have demonstrated just how omnipresent the digital threat to our everyday lives actually is. The Colonial Pipeline hack, for example, caused fuel shortages along the entire East Coast of the US.
Consequently, it’s little wonder that cybercrime has become one of the most important issues of national security – and our future. According to a recent survey by identity theft protection company Aura, 87% of Americans [a]see cybercrime as a bigger threat to their future than climate change or COVID-19.
If you are worried about your own digital security and that of your family, there are several strategies you can adopt. With the right approach and the right tools, you’ll be able to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Here’s how to get started.
1 – Securing Your Home WiFi
To begin with, secure your home WiFi. It’s usually one of your family’s biggest cyber-vulnerability.
Most people leave the default settings on their router when they plug it in. However, this is a mistake. It makes hackers’ lives easier.
For example, the default network name often indicates what internet provider – and thus what software – you’re using.
Similarly, many companies still deliver their routers with easy-to-guess admin credentials. Once a hacker has access to these credentials, they’ll be able to access all online transactions you make in your own home.
To avoid this, secure your home WiFi by changing the name of your network, and the admin credentials of your router. Regularly change your password and be careful whom you share it with.
In addition, be sure to enable the maximum encryption standard (WPA3) and the firewall in the admin space. Regularly install firmware updates.
2 – Setting Down Cybersecurity Rules
As a next step, you need to communicate with your family about basic cybersecurity practices. Discuss rules with your partner, children, and any other family members who might be living with you.
It’s especially important to make children aware of the importance of cybersecurity. Even though they might be growing up as digital natives, many of them take threats too lightly. This is dangerous. Especially considering that the number of cyberattacks, particularly through identity theft, on underage Americans has risen sharply.
That’s why it’s crucial to set rules for issues such as social media privacy settings, password hygiene, and sharing personal information online. If your family has shared devices, think carefully about who gets admin access.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to have regular cybersecurity check-ins. For example, you can verify that all of your family’s devices have up-to-date operating systems and apps. Hackers often exploit known vulnerabilities. Regularly installing updates closes off that avenue to your data.
3 – Getting a VPN Service
One of the most crucial tools in your family’s cybersecurity arsenal should be a VPN.
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. This technology encrypts all your online traffic. It’s available for all digital devices.
If you want to keep your online activities truly private, VPN is always a must. However, especially if you or your family members frequently use public WiFi networks, it’s essential.
Many VPN providers offer a family plan. It’s worth the time and money to find the best provider for your needs.
4 – Investing in Antivirus
Next, you should invest in a solid antivirus platform. This may sound basic, but still – over 40% of American households don’t use antivirus, or only rely on free versions.
While free antivirus will protect you from the most common threats, it’s often not enough in the virtual battlefield of 2021. Paid versions come with a far greater array of tools to keep your family safe. Often, invaluable elements like password managers and VPN are also included.
As with VPN, many providers offer family plans. Apart from being more budget-friendly and being valid for unlimited devices, these also often offer parental control options.
5 – Opting for Cybersecurity Insurance
Finally, you should consider getting cybersecurity insurance.
Even with the best of technical defenses, and the most vigilant of users, you can become the victim of a breach. For example, it’s possible that your data gets stolen when the servers of a large company at which you’re a customer are hacked.
Typically, cybersecurity insurance helps you deal with any legal or administrative costs that may arise from a cyberattack. It can help you recover data, pay for ransomware demands, or deal with the financial aftermath of identity theft.
Furthermore, some big cybersecurity providers, such as Aura and Norton, are now offering digital security packages that combine various types of digital insurance with antivirus, VPN, and other tools. These, too, come in family plans.
Conclusion
Cybercrime is a growing threat in today’s world. Taking steps to protect yourself and your family is essential.
By following the practices above, and investing in the right tools, you’ll be able to step up your digital security. And to keep your loved ones’ data out of the virtual clutches of pernicious hackers.