A big variety of digital threats have appeared with the rise of Smart Homes' popularity. And more often our Internet-of-Things networks are becoming a target for potential privacy invasions and spyware. But we still can enjoy the convenience of Smart Home technologies, by taking a few simple measures and using reliable security tools. Let’s have a comprehensive look at such aspects of digital safety as two-factor authentication and figure out how to enhance the security of your home network.
Whatever service or app you use, you probably need a login and password to authorize it. Of course, digital hygiene is a cornerstone of cybersecurity, but creating a unique strong, and long password is not always enough. No matter, how reliable your credentials are, they can be still vulnerable if the service where you use them stores them improperly and then has its server breached. It happens regularly and unfortunately, we can do nothing about this.
Moreover, our passwords are vulnerable due to the human factor. We are still the weakest link in the cybersecurity system and even smart and tech-savvy people may enter their credentials on phishing websites or become a victim of social engineering. The solution is Two-Factor Authentication.
Two-Factor Authentication is a digital security method that requires users to provide two forms of identification before accessing an app or service. This adds an additional protection layer beyond the classic username and password. It may include SMS verification, authenticator apps, and biometric authentication as the second authentication factor. The TFA method can be used on a variety of network security systems. So let’s have a closer look at them.
There are various network security platforms available for home use. Before choosing one, compare its features and pricing and ensure the platform integrates with two-factor authentication. Potential network security platforms for home use include
By default, almost all smart devices already come with multi-factor authentication. If you have a device without it, you can install a third-party application like Google Authenticator or KeepSolid Authenticator. Most smart devices come with mobile apps with a built-in TFA, but you can still install an extra solution. Security can’t be enough! After you’ve chosen a network security platform, the next step is to configure it. Usually, a manufacturer provides a step-by-step guide on this and explains how to enable all the needed features including the two-factor authentication.
After you’ve set up the network security platform, the next step is to configure each device connected to the network. Depending on the device you want to configure TFA on, instructions may vary. You can use email, mobile phone, or an authenticator app. Here are some universal guides for mobile devices, PCs, and smart home devices. If you find some differences, the best practice is to apply to official manufacturers' documentation or customer support.
Note: If your smart device is not compatible with authenticator apps, try to use TFA based on email verification.
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Big companies and home networks can both be vulnerable to malware and hackers. Measure to protect include both software and hardware solutions. Here are some examples of physical or virtualized hardware appliances with vendor-specific software installed.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of security that requires users to provide two different authentication factors to access an account, such as a password and a unique security code generated by a 2FA app. Here are the steps to find and utilize a unique security code in a 2FA app:
The generated unique security code should not be shared with anyone, as it is used to verify your identity and protect your account from unauthorized access.
Home network security system is subject to regular testing and monitoring to guarantee its effective work. As a result of security monitoring, you can get a big amount of important data:
To prevent any unauthorized access attempts, the best practice is to monitor login attempts, set up alerts, check for suspicious emails, and be cautious of public WiFi. If an unauthorized access attempt is detected, take immediate action to secure the network. Change the security code, notify the network security provider, and update the security system.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) can be an effective security measure for your home network. However, like any security system, it's not perfect, and some issues may arise. Here are examples of some of them and ways how to troubleshoot them:
As we’ve already said, security can’t be enough. So, in addition to two-factor authentication, you can check out more methods to protect your home network:
Setting up two-factor authentication can add an extra layer of security to your home network. Select a network security platform that integrates with two-factor authentication and configure each device connected to the network. Regularly test and monitor the security system and be aware of any unauthorized access attempts. By following best practices and taking additional security measures, you can ensure that your home network is secure.
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