The future is coming fast, and for many, the future is already here. Smart devices bring the world to our fingertips, and our lips, enabling voice activation and opening up a new world of possibilities. But those connected devices often come with an unexpected cost – your privacy.
If you want to enjoy the great things the tech world has to offer while mitigating the risks to your privacy, take head from savvy tech gurus such as Austin Alexander Burridge of Rosemount, Illinois. According to Mr. Burridge, there are some common-sense steps you can start taking today. From setting strong passwords and keeping your devices updated, a few simple measures can preserve your privacy without impacting your convenience.
Below, Austin Alexander Burridge shows how to preserve your privacy in a digital age and protect yourself as well as your devices.
Lock Down Your Home Wi-Fi Network
Every smart device in your Internet of Things (IoT) universe shares a single critical element – Wi-Fi connectivity. If you want your smart devices to function, they need access to your home Wi-Fi network.
One of the most effective security measures you can take is locking down your home Wi-Fi network. If you have not addressed your Wi-Fi security since you plugged in your router, it is time to reexamine your network.
Start by assigning a strong password, one that is easy for you to remember but hard for others to crack. If you are worried about forgetting your Wi-Fi password, you can write it down and store it in a safe place.
If you want to make your IoT network even more secure, you can set up a separate Wi-Fi network just for those devices. Isolating your internet-connected devices from your primary Wi-Fi network can enhance your security while mitigating the damage should a hacker breach your cyber defenses.
Turn Off Unnecessary Features
From televisions to toasters, IoT devices come laden with features, but how many of them do you really need? If you want your fridge to order groceries, you may need that connectivity – otherwise, turning off internet access shuts the door on potential hack attacks.
Take a good look at your home network, including all of the smart devices that are currently connected. Once you have a list of all those devices, you can go through them one by one and decide which features are essential and which are simply not necessary.
Scan for Updates
Responsible manufacturers of IoT devices take security seriously, and they regularly release updates to make those items more secure. If you want to protect yourself and your privacy, scan for updates regularly, and install them as they become available.
Some IoT devices allow users to enable automatic updates, while others require manual intervention. But no matter what the method, keeping your devices up to date is an essential security measure for your home and your privacy.
Preserving privacy in the internet age is no easy task. Every connected device you welcome into your home is a potential back door into your network and your data, but you do not have to forgo the convenience they provide to keep yourself protected. A few simple precautions can go a long way, so you can enjoy the great things the 21st century has to offer without putting your privacy and security at risk.
About Austin Alexander Burridge:
Austin Alexander Burridge resides in Rosemount, IL, where he pursues his passions as a freelance coder and avid tech junky. Since the dawn of video game consoles and especially the internet, Austin has enjoyed pushing the boundaries of technology and using it for creative problem-solving. When Austin Burridge isn’t plugged in at his computer desk in Rosemount re-working his latest code or reviewing the revolutionary tech launching in the new year, he enjoys hiking with his dog Humphrey and socializing with friends over a good craft beer during a civilized game of Catan.