Your Cybersecurity Checkup: Keeping Your Home Devices and Online Accounts Safe and Secure

These days, most of us have a small collection of devices around the house — laptops, phones, tablets, smart TVs, doorbell cameras, thermostats, you name it. They make life easier and more connected, but that convenience also opens doors for hackers and scams.

You’d likely be surprised at the things we’ve discovered with our cybersecurity checkups for individuals. That’s why a cybersecurity checkup for your home network is so important. Think of it like a checkup for your digital health: I help make sure your devices are protected, your data is backed up, and your online habits aren’t putting your personal information at risk.

Here’s some of what we look at during a typical home cybersecurity checkup — and why it matters for you and your family.

1. Checking Your Wi‑Fi and Router Security

Your home Wi‑Fi router is like the front door to your digital world. If your router’s software (called firmware) is out-of-date or no longer supported by your internet provider, your home network could be open to cyberattacks. We’ll also make sure your router is using the strongest possible encryption – WPA2 or WPA3.

2. Protecting Your Computers, Phones, and Tablets

Viruses and ransomware don’t just attack businesses — they target home users too. We’ll review each device to ensure security tools are running properly, operating systems and apps are up to date, and automatic updates are enabled.

We can also adjust system settings that help block suspicious websites, pop‑ups, and downloads before they become a problem.

3. Strengthening Passwords and Accounts

If you’ve ever reused the same password across multiple accounts, you’re not alone — it’s one of the most common security mistakes. We’ll help you set up a secure password manager so you can easily keep track of everything, and we’ll show you how to enable two‑factor authentication (2FA) for added protection on key accounts like email, financial, shopping and social media.

4. Backing Up What Matters Most

Imagine losing your family photos, tax files, or important documents because of a computer crash or scam. It happens every day — but it’s easy to prevent. During your checkup, we’ll make sure you have automatic backups in place, whether through a cloud service or an external hard drive. we’ll also help you test those backups to ensure they actually work when you need them.

5. Securing Smart Home Devices

Your smart speaker, security camera, or even your light bulbs may not seem risky, but each one connects to the internet. I can help you review their settings, apply updates, and create stronger passwords. Sometimes, we’ll recommend putting smart gadgets on a separate Wi‑Fi network, so they don’t have access to your personal files or devices.

6. Improving Everyday Online Habits

Good cybersecurity isn’t just about technology — it’s also about awareness. During your checkup, we’ll share some simple tricks to spot fake emails, avoid phishing links, and tighten your privacy settings on social media and apps. Small habits can make a big difference in keeping your information private.

Why It’s Worth It

At the end of your cybersecurity checkup, after we leave you’ll have safer devices, and peace of mind knowing your data is better protected. Cybersecurity might sound complicated, but with the right guidance, it becomes part of everyday home care — just like changing the batteries in your smoke detector or locking your doors at night.

For a comprehensive list of what we check, click here (ask Mark for the password).

Contact us to schedule.

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