By JEFF MARSTON
Guest Columnist
Have you ever stopped to count how many devices you have connected to your home internet?
A recent survey of our Comcast customers found they have an average of 27 connected devices in their household – ranging from laptops, mobile phones, televisions, smart appliances, security cameras, baby monitors and even cars. This number has grown astronomically over the years, giving hackers more places to attack.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month, observed annually in October, serves as a reminder of the critical importance of staying vigilant in the digital age. Regardless of the tools and resources available to you, here are four essential tips to enhance your cybersecurity awareness and protect yourself and your digital assets:
- Create strong passwords
Create strong, unique passwords for each online account. Use a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a reputable password manager to help you securely keep track of your passwords.
- Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
Make sure multifactor authentication is enabled on all your online accounts that offer it, especially email, social media, and financial accounts. This will make you significantly less likely to get hacked.
- Recognize & report phishing
Phishing emails, texts, and calls are the primary ways data gets compromised. Be cautious if you receive unsolicited communication asking for personal information and avoid sharing sensitive information over the phone or email unless necessary. Don’t click on links or open attachments sent from unknown sources.
- Update software
Regularly update your operating system, applications, and antivirus software. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain access to your devices and data.
Does your internet provider offer security?
Contact your internet provider or visit the company’s website to research the security services and features they offer to their customers. If your internet provider supplies you with a router, it may come with built-in security features. For example, in 2019, Comcast launched Xfinity xFi Advanced Security, a service that monitors, blocks, and informs our customers of online threats to any of the devices that are connected to their home network. xFi Advanced Security service provides a protective shield for connected home, and in 2022, it blocked more than 10 billion threats for our customers.
By incorporating these practices into your household’s daily routines, you can create a safer and more secure digital environment for your family. Cybersecurity should be a shared responsibility, and by making it a common practice you help protect not only your home but also your digital community at large.
Jeff Marston serves as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Comcast in Indiana.