Protect your home from hackers,
Consumers need to demand the same type of security they would expect on their smartphone for any Internet-connected device they bring into their home — and refuse to buy unprotected ones.
LOS ANGELES The attack that made many popular websites unavailable to users Friday was launched from seemingly innocuous Internet-connected devices such as routers, DVRs and closed-circuit TV cameras from around the globe.
USA TODAY offers tips on how you can protect your home network. uStart with the router: Most folks never get around to passwords protecting their home router, which is used to split the Internet signal to various areas of the home and sometimes to Wi-Fi. The first line of defense is to change the default password the router came with. Look for instructions in its information booklet or by searching online by the manufacturer’s name and the router model number. uOther home devices: When possible, password pro- tect every device in your home that’s connected to the Internet, each with its own unique password. Password managers such as Dashlane and Last Pass can help you keep track of the various passwords. You can also write them down, which, while not ideal, is better than having no password protection at all. uDevices that won’t take a password: Unfortunately, a significant number of Internetconnected devices you might have in your home aren’t set up for passwords at all. Computer security experts say this will only start to change when consumers refuse to purchase poorly-protected devices or de-
vices that can’t easily be updated.
uHacking into private data stored on a private appliance: It’s certainly possible for a single hacker to find their way into a home network if the devices linked to the Internet aren’t password protected, but that’s much less common.
uProtect yourself: Botnets and almost all networkbased attacks begin with a simple phishing email, where the user is sent an email containing links or attachments that open and download malicious software or malware onto their computer. That malware goes on to infect their system or network, opening a backdoor where hackers can come and go at will. So the best protection is to be wary of emails, especially those containing attachments or links, from unknown sources or even people you know whose accounts might have been hacked.
And remember that legitimate businesses never ask users to update or verify their personal information via links.