Due to the “Stay-at-Home” mandate because of COVID-19, there is a massive shift of new people working remotely from home as well as being digitally homeschooled. The major uptick in working remotely can open doors to cybercrimes, and Jon Wolfe, CEO of Axiom, an enterprise security company and maker of HakTrap has provided useful safety tips for the public.
Cybercriminals are engaged in nefarious acts ranging from hijacking routers then redirecting victims to sites promoting fake coronavirus information to straight-up COVID-19 phishing scams. Wolfe wants the public to be armed with as much information as possible and to know there are some simple security measures, they can take to reduce their risk of being victims of the latest threats that are specifically exploiting the situation. HakTrap’s “Work from Home” tip sheet provides useful information for all of us who are working from home due to the crisis (click here to download all the tips).
Tips from Jon Wolfe, CEO of Axiom
1.Give your router a smart name.
You don’t have to stick with the default name provided by the manufacturer as it could potentially identify the make or model. HakTrap suggests a unique name not associated
with your or your address or any other personal identifiers.
2. Use a strong encryption method for Wi-Fi.
In your router settings, it’s a good idea to use a strong encryption method, like WPA2, when you set up Wi-Fi network access. This will help keep your network and
communications secure.
3. Set up a guest network.
Keep your Wi-Fi account private. Visitors, friends and relatives can log into a separate network that doesn’t tie into your IoT devices.
Keep your private network quarantined.
4. Change default usernames and passwords.
Cybercriminals probably already know the default passwords that come with many IoT products. That makes it easy for them to access your IoT devices and, potentially, the
information on them. Are you considering a device that doesn’t allow you to change the default password? Then consider a different one.
5. Use strong, unique passwords for Wi-Fi networks and device accounts.
Avoid common words or passwords that are easy to guess, such as “password” or “123456.” Instead, use unique, complex passwords made up of letters, numbers, and
symbols. You might also consider a password manager to up your security game.
6. Check the setting for your devices.
Your IoT devices might come with default privacy and security settings. You might want to consider changing them, as some default settings could benefit the manufacturer
more than they benefit you.
7. Disable features you may not need.
IoT devices come with a variety of services such as remote access, often enabled by default. If you don’t need it, be sure to disable it.
8. Keep your software up to date.
When your smart phone manufacturer sends you a software update, don’t put off installing it. It might be a patch for a security flaw. Mobile security is important, since you may
connect to your smart home through mobile devices. Your IoT device makers also may sent you updates — or you might have to visit their websites to check for them.
Be sure to download updates and apply them to your device to help stay safe.
9. Audit the IoT devices already on your home network.
It could be time to upgrade that old security camera. Take time to check if newer models might offer stronger security.
10. Do the two-step.
We’re talking authentication. Two-factor authentication — such as a one-time code sent to your cellphone — can keep the bad guys out of your accounts.
If your smart-device apps offer two-factor authentication, or 2FA, use it!!
You can see all the tips (and print out this great PDF) at this link. You can learn more about HakTrap and Cyber-Security tips at www.HakTrap.com !
Thanks to Jon Wolfe for these very smart and useful tips!
Stevie Wilson,
LA-Story.com
________________________DEALS and STEALS(Affiliate Links)
I curate deals that offer bonuses, bargains, and great products –and some are very specifically for this site to feature to my audience because I want my audience to get amazing products from great brands!
Disclosure: some of the links on this post might have affiliate links! It costs you nothing. If you buy something, the brand pays me a small percentage.
If you purchase via my link, I make a very small percentage for that purchase. It does not add any additional cost to the product. The price you see is the retail price (depending on store or vendor) .
Sunscreens Are Essential in Summer: Try COOLA Full Spectrum 360 Sun Silk Drops SPF 30
COOLA’s breakthrough Sun Silk Drops— your daily Full Spectrum 360° protection from the sun, environmental toxins, and digital overexposure.
Their advanced organic formula is light-as-air yet protects against broad-spectrum UVA/UVB, IR (infrared), and HEV (high energy visible) Light, meaning they’ve got you covered from beach to board meeting. A fast-absorbing complex blend of plant stem cells and patented LightWaves Defense [JS+M] technology helps to prevent visible signs of aging from both indoor and outdoor daily aggressors. Finally, full-spectrum organic skincare that keeps up with your everyday modern lifestyle!
What else you need to know:
This product is formulated without oxybenzone. It is vegan, non-GMO, TSA-friendly, and cruelty-free.
Available at Sephora.com and Coola.com
Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: http://feeds.feedburner.com/la-story/Bpyd
Powered by FeedBurner
If you are going to feature content from LA-Story.com including images, podcasts or videos including the accompanying text, please respect copyright provisions. We require a notation of content origination (meaning credit tag), a link- back to the specific page & please email the link to stevie@la-story.com before the piece goes live.
LA-Story.com, LA-Story Recessionista, Celebrity Stylescope, Celebrity Style Slam Trademark/Copyright: KBP Inc./TNBT Inc 2007-22
[/stumble]
