Protect your business and home from cyber threats with these five essential IT solutions for a secure and reliable home network.
As more business owners work from home or manage remote employees, securing your home network is more critical than ever. Cyber threats are on the rise, and a vulnerable network can put your business and personal data at risk. Whether you’re a small business owner in Texas or a professional looking to safeguard your work-from-home setup, these five steps will help ensure you have a secure home network setup with IT support and IT solutions that ensure business continuity.
1. Change Default Router Settings
Most routers come with default usernames and passwords that are easy for hackers to guess. Leaving the settings as is would be fine for the average household but as a business it is imperative to plug all security leaks. A password you don’t have control over is a very big security leak. Changing these credentials is a simple yet crucial step toward a more secure network.
Action Steps:
- Log into your router settings (typically by entering “192.168.1.1” or “192.168.0.1” into your browser).
- Change the default username and password to something strong and unique.
- Disable remote management unless necessary.
2. Enable Strong Wi-Fi Encryption
Weak or outdated Wi-Fi security settings make it easy for cybercriminals to intercept your data. Ensure that your network uses the latest encryption standards.
Action Steps:
- Set your Wi-Fi security to WPA3 (or WPA2 if WPA3 is unavailable).
- Use a complex Wi-Fi password that includes a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Disable WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Set Up a Separate Network for Guests and IoT Devices
Many business owners use smart devices like security cameras and thermostats that connect to the internet. These devices often have weaker security and can be a gateway for hackers.
Action Steps:
- Create a separate guest network for visitors and IoT devices.
- Keep your business or work devices on a private, secure network.
- Regularly update firmware on all smart devices to patch security vulnerabilities.
4. Enable a Firewall and Install Security Software
A firewall helps block malicious traffic from entering your network, while security software (like SofTouch Systems Anti-Virus and maleware) provides an additional layer of protection.
Action Steps:
- Ensure your router’s built-in firewall is activated.
- Install reputable security software on all connected devices.
- Consider using a business-grade firewall for added protection.
5. Regularly Back Up Important Data
Even with strong security measures, no network is 100% immune to cyber threats. Having a backup solution ensures that your data remains protected in case of a breach.
Action Steps:
- Use an automatic cloud backup solution for essential files.
- Regularly back up important business data to an external hard drive.
- Test your backups periodically to ensure they can be restored.
Get a Free Home Network Security Audit
At SofTouch Systems, we specialize in IT support, IT solutions, backup solutions, and data protection for business owners in Central and South Texas. If you’re unsure about the security of your home network, we offer a FREE audit to evaluate your current business or secure home network setup and provide expert recommendations for improvements.