How can one improve Cybersecurity at Home?

Many large corporations and even small and medium enterprises are taking large strides in ensuring their cyber space is secure. This prompted me to explore and draw examples from such enterprises that can be applied at home to make one secure. Many homes are now hooked to the internet for various purposes.

Leveraging the Pareto Principle (often referred to as the 80/20 rule), we can say that 80% of cybersecurity threats can be mitigated by addressing the top 20% of vulnerabilities. Here are some key points to consider for both corporations and home users:

1. Software Updates:

- Corporations: Regularly update and patch all software, including operating systems, to fix known vulnerabilities.

- Home: Keep personal devices updated. Automatic updates are often a good choice for most home users.

2. Password Management:

- Corporations: Implement strong password policies and encourage the use of password managers.

- Home: Use unique and strong passwords for each account. Consider a password manager.

3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

- Corporations: Enforce MFA for accessing sensitive data and systems.

- Home: Activate MFA on personal accounts, especially for email, home surveillance and financial services.

4. Firewalls and Antivirus:

- Corporations: Maintain a robust firewall and keep antivirus software updated.

- Home: Enable the built-in firewall on personal devices and install a reputable antivirus solution.

5. Backup:

- Corporations: Regularly back up critical data and test recovery processes.

- Home: Use cloud services or external drives to back up important personal files.

6. Phishing Awareness:

- Corporations: Conduct regular training and tests to educate employees about the dangers of phishing.

- Home: Be wary of unsolicited emails or messages, especially those that ask for personal information. Educate children and everyone else in the house on the dangers of phishing.

7. Network Security:

- Corporations: Segregate networks and limit access to only those who need it.

- Home: Change the default credentials on home routers and use strong Wi-Fi passwords. If possible have a separate network for guests and visitors who need to use your Wi-Fi.

8. Physical Security:

- Corporations: Limit physical access to critical infrastructure and use surveillance.

- Home: Be cautious about letting strangers access your home and personal devices. Limit access to routers or monitoring devices.

9. Limit Permissions:

- Corporations: Implement the principle of least privilege.

- Home: Don't give apps or websites more permissions than they need. Frequently audit this to avoid any creeping effect.

10. Stay Informed:

- Corporations: Stay updated on the latest cyber threats and best practices.

- Home: Stay hungry and seek information on cybersecurity. Follow tech news or join online communities to stay informed about the latest threats and protection methods.

By focusing on these crucial areas, both large corporations and home users can significantly reduce their cybersecurity risks. Not only workers who work remotely in the current era are at more risk but also home users have too become targets for cyber attacks. Be vigilant.