A Data-driven Guide for Home Users

The modern home has more internet-connected devices than ever before. From laptops and smartphones to thermostats and doorbell cameras, our lives are increasingly digital. Yet according to Norton’s 2023 Cyber Safety Insights Report, 64% of Americans believe that securing their connected devices is too time-consuming. Let’s change that perception.

Understanding the Landscape

Last year, the FBI’s Internet Crime Report documented over $10.2 billion in losses from cybercrime, with individuals over 60 experiencing the highest losses per incident. The most common attacks weren’t sophisticated hacks – they were simple tactics targeting everyday digital activities like email and online shopping.

Start with the Basics: Password Security

The foundation of digital security begins with something we use every day – passwords. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has revolutionized password recommendations in recent years. Gone are the days of requiring special characters and frequent changes. Instead, focus on length and uniqueness.

Modern password best practices:

• Create passwords that are at least 12 characters long – NIST recommends using simple phrases you can remember. “Correct Horse Battery Staple” is more secure than “P@ssw0rd123!”
• Alternatively, you can set up a password manager to generate and store unique passwords. According to LastPass’s Psychology of Passwords Report, 65% of people reuse passwords across accounts, making them vulnerable when any single account is compromised.
• Enable two-factor authentication wherever available. Google reports that this simple step blocks 96% of bulk phishing attempts and 76% of targeted attacks.

Protecting Your Home Network

Your home network is the gateway to all your connected devices. The FBI’s Internet Crime Report highlights that unsecured networks remain one of the primary entry points for cybercriminals.

Here’s how to secure yours:

• ALWAYS change your router’s default password. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, 41% of routers still use default passwords, making them easy targets for attackers.
• Update your router’s firmware regularly. The Department of Homeland Security reports that outdated firmware is responsible for 42% of network compromises.

• Create a separate network for guests and smart home devices. The National Security Agency recommends this isolation strategy to prevent potentially compromised internet-enabled devices (such as video doorbells) from accessing your primary network.

Mobile Device Security

Our phones have become digital keys to our lives. The FTC reports that mobile phone fraud increased by 58% from previous years. Protect your mobile devices by:

• Keeping software updated – Apple and Google regularly release security patches for known vulnerabilities.
• Using biometric locks – Face ID and fingerprint scanning add a layer of security that’s both convenient and effective.
• Being cautious with app permissions – The FTC found that 89% of apps request access to features they don’t need to function. By default, limit location tracking and notifications wherever possible

Email and Online Shopping Safety

Email remains the primary vector for cyber-attacks. According to the FBI, business email compromise schemes alone resulted in $2.7 billion in losses last year.

When shopping online:

• Verify website security – Look for “https://” and a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar.
• Use credit cards instead of debit cards – The Fair Credit Billing Act limits your liability for fraudulent credit card charges to $50.
• Monitor your accounts – The FTC recommends a weekly review of financial statements to catch unauthorized charges early.

Creating a Backup Strategy

Data loss isn’t just about cybercrime. Hardware failure, accidents, and ransomware can all result in lost photos, documents, and memories. The U.S. National Archives recommends the 3-2-1 backup strategy:

• Keep three copies of important files
• Store them on at least two different types of media
• Keep one copy offsite or in cloud storage

If Things Go Wrong

Despite best efforts, security incidents can still occur. The FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network received 5.7 million fraud reports last year. Here is what to do if it happens to you:

• Document everything – Take screenshots and notes about what happened
• Report fraud to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint
• Place a fraud alert with credit bureaus if financial information is compromised
• Change passwords for affected accounts immediately

Moving Forward

Digital security isn’t a one-time thing – it’s an ongoing process. Here at Tech Smart, we recommend yearly security check-ups for home users. This regular maintenance helps ensure your digital life remains protected as threats evolve.

Remember: perfect security doesn’t exist, but good security habits significantly reduce your risk. Start with one improvement today, then build on it over time.

—

Need help securing your digital life? Tech Smart Santa Barbara offers personalized security assessments and ongoing support to keep your connected home protected. Contact us to learn more about our home security services.

Sources: FBI Internet Crime Report 2023, Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report 2023, NIST Digital Identity Guidelines, FTC Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2023, Google Security Blog, Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity Guidelines