• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Electrical Engineering News and Products

Electronics Engineering Resources, Articles, Forums, Tear Down Videos and Technical Electronics How-To's

  • Products / Components
    • Analog ICs
    • Battery Power
    • Connectors
    • Microcontrollers
    • Power Electronics
    • Sensors
    • Test and Measurement
    • Wire / Cable
  • Applications
    • 5G
    • Automotive/Transportation
    • EV Engineering
    • Industrial
    • IoT
    • Medical
    • Telecommunications
    • Wearables
    • Wireless
  • Learn
    • eBooks / Handbooks
    • EE Training Days
    • Tutorials
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars & Digital Events
  • Resources
    • White Papers
    • Educational Assets
    • Design Guide Library
    • Digital Issues
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • LEAP Awards
    • Podcasts
    • DesignFast
  • Videos
    • EE Videos and Interviews
    • Teardown Videos
  • EE Forums
    • EDABoard.com
    • Electro-Tech-Online.com
  • Bill’s Blogs
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

How To Create A Cyber Secure Home

October 5, 2017 By Phys.org

As technology becomes more important in our personal lives, so does securing it. Here are some fundamental steps you should always take to help protect yourself and your family.

Securing yourself

Cyber attackers have learned that the easiest way to get something is to simply ask for it. As such, common sense is your best defense. If a message or phone call seems odd, suspicious, or too good to be true, it may be an attack.

Securing your home network

Your WiFi router is a physical device that controls who can connect to your wireless network at home. Follow these steps to secure it:

  • Always change the default admin password on your router to a strong password only you know.
  • Configure your network so that if anyone wants to join it, they have to use a password. In addition, always configure your network to use the latest encryption, which is currently WPA2.
  • Be aware of all the devices connected to your network, including baby monitors, gaming consoles, TVs, or perhaps even your car.

Securing your computers and devices

  • Protect your devices are protected with a strong PIN or passcode and are running the latest version of their software.
  • Enable automatic updates whenver possible.
  • If you can, have two computers at home, one for parents and one for kids. If sharing a computer, make sure everyone has separate accounts and that kids do not have privileged access.
  • Use a firewall and anti-virus on your computers.
  • Before disposing of a device, make sure it has been wiped/factory reset.

Securing your accounts/passwords

  • Always use long passwords that are hard to guess. Use passphrases where possible – passwords with multiple words, like “Where’s my coffee?”
  • Use unique passwords for each account and device. Can’t remember that many? Use a password manager app to keep track of them for you.
  • Use two-step or multi-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds a personalized step to logging in, like receiving a text or phone call on your mobile phone.
  • On social media, post only what you want the public to see. Assume anything you post will eventually be seen by your parents or boss.

What to do when hacked

No matter how secure you are, sooner or later, you may be hacked:

  • Create regular backups of all your personal data. If a device gets hacked, the only way to recover its data may be from a backup.
  • If one of your online accounts has been hacked, immediately log in and change its password to a strong, unique password. If you no longer have access, contact the company.
  • Monitor your credit cards. If you see charges you do not recognize, call the company right away.
(Image Credit: Ohio University)

You Might Also Like

Filed Under: Fiber Optics

Primary Sidebar

EE Engineering Training Days

engineering

Featured Contributions

Why outdoor charging demands specialized battery connectors

How Li-ion batteries are powering the shift in off-highway equipment

Integrating MEMS technology into next-gen vehicle safety features

Five challenges for developing next-generation ADAS and autonomous vehicles

Robust design for Variable Frequency Drives and starters

More Featured Contributions

EE Tech Toolbox

“ee
Tech Toolbox: 5G Technology
This Tech Toolbox covers the basics of 5G technology plus a story about how engineers designed and built a prototype DSL router mostly from old cellphone parts. Download this first 5G/wired/wireless communications Tech Toolbox to learn more!

EE Learning Center

EE Learning Center
“ee
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.
“bills
contribute

R&D World Podcasts

R&D 100 Episode 10
See More >

Sponsored Content

Designing for Serviceability: The Role of Interconnects in HVAC Maintenance

From Control Boards to Comfort: How Signal Integrity Drives HVAC Innovation

Built to Withstand: Sealing and Thermal Protection in HVAC Sub-Systems

Revolutionizing Manufacturing with Smart Factories

Smarter HVAC Starts at the Sub-System Level

Empowering aerospace E/E design and innovation through Siemens Xcelerator and Capital in the Cloud

More Sponsored Content >>

RSS Current EDABoard.com discussions

  • LLC converter shoot through currents at start-up
  • Step Up Push Pull Transformer design / construction
  • How to create custom diode and add its netlist into Ansys circuit designer schematic?
  • Two sections broadband impedance matching
  • connector model question

RSS Current Electro-Tech-Online.com Discussions

  • Impact of Tariffs on PCB Fab
  • Wierd makita battery
  • More fun with ws2812 this time XC8 and CLC
  • I Wanna build a robot
  • Earbud wiring w/ mic
Search Millions of Parts from Thousands of Suppliers.

Search Now!
design fast globle

Footer

EE World Online

EE WORLD ONLINE NETWORK

  • 5G Technology World
  • Analog IC Tips
  • Battery Power Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Engineer's Garage
  • EV Engineering
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips

EE WORLD ONLINE

  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Teardown Videos
  • Advertise with us
  • Contact us
  • About Us

Copyright © 2025 · WTWH Media LLC and its licensors. All rights reserved.
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media.

Privacy Policy