What you’ll learn (TL;DR)
- Learn effective methods to start conversations about cybersecurity at home, using news headlines to highlight current threats and spark engaging discussions.
- People from different age groups, such as teens and older adults, are vulnerable to different types of cyber-attacks.
- Have a plan for when you notice suspicious digital activities.
- Look for ways to secure all smart home devices, no matter how small they may seem, to protect against potential cyber threats.
Secure Your Smart Devices
Just as you
protect your home with title insurance, homeowner’s insurance
, and a home warranty to guard against different types of risks, securing your online presence is as critical as locking your front door. Many homeowners have smart devices connected to the Internet. If these devices aren't properly secured, they could let unwelcome intruders into our homes. More often, though, this “home invasion” is purely digital—sensitive personal information is exposed online, leading to identity theft or financial loss.
In our
Security and Privacy Center
, we talk about steps you can take to help protect your digital persona, but security is more than a few settings. One of the most effective ways to build a CyberSmart home is just sharing cybersecurity knowledge with other members of your household—children, parents, friends—and visitors. Everyone in your household likely has a digital presence, and if they're not online already, they probably will be soon. That means each person is another potential target for cybercrime right under your roof.
Here are three suggestions for how to start a conversation about cybersecurity.
Use The News
In today's tech-driven world, headlines frequently spotlight cyber incidents impacting everyday people. For example, did you hear about “
The Terrifying A.I. Scam That Uses Your Loved One's Voice
” from The New Yorker. The article's introduction shows that cybercriminals often target ordinary people because they do not have the advanced security tools that large organizations use. It’s similar to a thief choosing to rob a small, unguarded house over a heavily guarded mansion—it is easier and less risky. Starting a conversation about a cyber headline you read in the news helps spread the word of the latest threats and can spark engaging conversations.
Consider Perspectives
Would it surprise you to find out that both people under 25 years old and people over 70 years old are most susceptible to online attacks? Teens and young adults freely share extensive personal information online, leaving them vulnerable to data breaches that could have profound consequences—such as leaked private messages jeopardizing career opportunities and disrupting lives. On the other hand, older individuals, often perceived as less tech-savvy, are targeted for their potentially substantial retirement savings. In 2023, older Americans suffered more than double the financial losses from fraud compared to middle-aged adults. Those who were retired faced the additional hardship of depleting their savings with no job to replace it. No matter our level of technical expertise, we can all use a reminder to prioritize our online security.
Make a Plan
Do members of your household know what to do if they receive a suspicious message via email or text? Or if they see a smart device acting strangely (like the video light is blinking, but no one is recording a video)? Just like we build emergency kits to prepare for natural disasters, we should have a plan for what to do when we see suspicious digital activity. This plan can be as simple as getting a second opinion or asking a parent. The key is to encourage your household to not be shy, to speak up, and to question anything that seems suspicious. With each member of your household watching for cyber threats, you present a united front against cyber attackers.
Securing All Your Smart Devices
Here is another conversation-starting headline: “
The Strange Tale Of 3 Million Hacked Toothbrushes
.” It sounds outrageous, doesn't it? Well, it was—this viral story turned out to be false. Nevertheless, the headline serves as a good reminder to consider the security of all your smart home devices, no matter how small they may seem.
