Do Homes Need the Same Level of Cyber Protection As Businesses?

Featured article by Helen Wallis, Independent Technology Writer

Technology is very much a part of our everyday lives. From smart watches to desktop computers, technology, and specifically the Internet has connected us to information in a way that many never thought possible.

However, despite the overwhelming positives of the Internet, it has seen the way in which criminals act change as well. Hackers dedicate endless amounts of time to steal payment and personal information from Internet users and if you don’t have the necessary security on your system you could well see your world turned upside down due to cyber fraud.

A business’s approach to cyber security

Businesses work with highly complex and confidential information each and every day. The last thing they want is for such data to get in the wrong hands, so it’s not uncommon for companies to spend thousands if not millions on ensuring that there cyber operations are as tight as possible.

Businesses will ensure that their servers have strong firewalls, that their employees change passwords on a regular basis and that they have some of the most sophisticated anti-virus systems on the market.

However the question here is do homes need the same level of cyber protection as businesses? Read on and we’ll tell you if a significant investment in your home’s cyber security is a must.

Types of information hackers try to steal from homes

With so much of our lives taking place on the Internet, hackers are presented with a unique opportunity. Unlike a pickpocket on the street who is probably only targeting one or two items, cyber hackers have access to far more than just your wallet or phone.

Just take a minute to think about the sensitive and personal information that you store on your computer and the web. We’re talking things like contact details, bank information, credit card data, passwords and so much more.

If the type of information above ends up in the wrong hands you could be the subject of identity fraud, credit card cloning and much more. Consequently it is of paramount importance that you take the necessary steps to secure your system and keep your personal information safe.

Do homes need the same level of protection as businesses?

First things first, much like with business computers, you’ll need to ensure that your home computer is protected from malicious software. Some businesses will invest considerable in resources due to the fact that they need multiple licenses and can’t always control what attachments their staff download

Protecting communication is something that businesses take extremely seriously. One measure that they take will be to use an encrypted VoIP to ensure that communication is as secure as possible, especially if their staff use any open networks. As long as you are on your home network, don’t download any dodgy attachments and have a good antivirus in place you should find that you won’t necessarily need to make such an investment in protecting your personal communication.

Certain types of malware can get into your system and delete files without you realising, which is why it is important to back up your system regularly. Just like businesses, you are bound to have certain sensitive/important information that you don’t want to lose. Some businesses will invest considerable resources in daily backups on sophisticated cloud systems, but for the average home user a simple weekly hard drive/free cloud service backup will suffice as you won’t have anywhere near as much data to handle.

To conclude, cyber security at home is definitely something that needs to be taken seriously. However, the same kind of investment and attention doesn’t need to be made as in business. A huge part of staying safe online is to be mindful, don’t visit suspicious sites or download attachments from unknown senders and you’ll be far more secure. The biggest thing is to invest in good antivirus software that provides the necessary protection against common cyber threats.

Helen has a passion for technology and business and enjoys sharing her knowledge and expertise with others. She has worked in the IT industry for over fifteen years and likes to spend her spare time writing and blogging about new developments in the industry.