5 steps to make sure hackers cannot access your home network and files
Hackers may have already compromised your network. Tap or click here for a free test to see if your router has been hacked. Keep reading for ways to protect your system from hackers.
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1. Keep everything up to date
Security threats continually evolve, so you must keep your browser updated. Updates help protect you from the latest spreading viruses and attacks. Tap or click here to find out if you are using the newest version of your browser.
Even more important, update your operating system regularly. Windows releases frequent (though sometimes buggy) updates, and missing any can mean severe consequences for your security. The same goes for Macs.
Most Windows PCs download and install updates automatically by default. If you haven’t changed your automatic update settings, you might not need to change a thing. If you’ve turned automatic updates off, you can update manually.
Apple’s macOS receives its updates through the Mac App Store. Open the App Store app, and click Updates. Tap Update to download and install.
2. Test your firewall
Even if cybercriminals can see your network, a firewall helps to prevent them from getting inside and doing any damage. Make sure your firewall is on.
For Windows, open Settings > Update & Security. Choose Windows Security from the left-hand menu. Choose Firewall & Network Protection to open the firewall menu.
Your system will tell you whether your firewall is on or not. If it’s off, you can toggle it on or reset the settings to default by clicking on Restore firewalls to default.
For Mac, open System Preferences, then click Security and Privacy. Click the Lock Icon to make changes and enter your admin username and password. Then select Turn on Firewall.
Do this or anyone can see what your security camera sees
Security cameras are among the first lines of defense in protecting your home from criminals. They can notify you of suspicious activity even when you’re far away. You can keep an eye out for package deliveries and check up on your house while you’re at work.
9 popular routers are at risk - See if yours is on the list
Your router is arguably the most critical component in your internet network. It serves as the primary point where all wireless devices connect and download information. A vulnerability in the router’s software could spell disaster. Tap or click here if you are sick of slow Wi-Fi speeds.
Router warning: Patch your D-Link or ASUS router now
Router security is a dicey subject matter in the tech world. Getting a full understanding of how it works can be a brutal and mind-numbing process, but it’s more important now than ever thanks to rising rates of cybercrime.
If you absolutely have to keep using Windows 7, here's how to stay safe
Are you still using Windows 7? In case you haven’t heard, Microsoft recently ended support and now it’s a huge security risk that’s practically begging hackers to take advantage of it.
Since Microsoft won’t be releasing any further security updates, you’re risking hacks, malware and viruses by staying on the outdated operating system. Tap or click here for more about Windows 7 security risks.
4 settings you must change on your video doorbell
Many moons ago, we used to have peepholes. Kids, ask your parents about how they’d look through a little hole to see who was at the door to make sure it was safe to open the door.
In 2013, inventor Jamie Siminoff brought his idea for a video doorbell to TV’s “Shark Tank” hoping for a deal. All the sharks flatly rejected him, saying it was a dumb idea. But the product, Ring, became a huge hit and Amazon purchased his company in 2018 for over $1 billion.