The average American household owns 21 connected devices across 13 different categories, making our family life very different from when we were growing up. Because households rely on so many connected devices, digital safety now demands the same attention as home security. Personal data leaks are rising fast across households, so you must keep your family’s digital life under control.Â
Teach Kids How to Spot Digital Risks Early
It’s true that our kids seem to be able to use online platforms at a speed that we adults just can’t match, but that’s not always a blessing. Yes, it’s impressive, but they are sometimes careless in how they experiment with new social networks and online services.
Therefore, you should teach them practical digital hygiene skills that help them protect themselves online. It’s your responsibility to teach them about password security and the importance of withholding personal information. Don’t just assume that they’re learning this stuff in school.
Use Identity Theft Protection for the Whole Family
You may have heard about identity theft protection, wrongly assuming that it’s only for businesses and entrepreneurs. That’s not the case, though. So, what is identity theft protection, and how will it protect your family?
Well, identity theft protection tools monitor the internet and dark web for breaches of your personal data, including financial accounts, login credentials, and other personal information. You can assign multiple identities to the tool, which keeps your entire family’s data safe. The software alerts you the moment it detects suspicious activity.
While invaluable, don’t assume that identity theft protection is an all-in-one solution. It delivers the best results when you combine it with strong daily habits.
Build Unique Passwords for Every Account
You have no doubt heard this tip before, yet you might not be following it. Give every family account a unique and strong password, ideally stored in a password manager. Hackers target weak, reused passwords because those vulnerabilities open your banking apps, email, and other accounts. Once hackers enter a single account, they can commit identity fraud or steal your savings.
Turn On Two-Factor Authentication Across All Devices
In addition to a strong password, you should further protect your family accounts through two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA adds a second layer of security that blocks most criminal attempts. Even if they have your password, they’ll still need a code from your phone or authentication app. Most online services offer 2FA, and any platform that refuses to support it signals a security risk.
Update Software on Every Device
Software updates often come with handy new features, but they also patch serious security flaws. If you’re not using the latest device firmware or operating system, you could be putting your family at risk of cyberattacks. To keep things simple, just turn on automatic updates on your devices. You’ll never miss an update, and you won’t even have to think about it.
Lock Down Wi-Fi Networks and Smart Home Devices
Your home likely runs on a personal Wi-Fi network that every family member uses. A shared home network carries real risks, especially if your router has a weak password or outdated firmware. A weak router gives hackers a direct path into your family’s online activity. So, protect your Wi-Fi by taking these steps:
- Change the default network name
- Create a strong router password
- Regularly update the firmware
- Place smart home devices on a separate network
Limit the Data Your Family Shares Online
It’s concerning how many apps request more data access than they need. You might trust the app providers, but a breach exposes your family to identity theft. Breaches occur far more often than many families realize, especially if we are talking about smart home systems. Don’t just blindly tick all data permission requests on websites, apps, and devices. Also, remind your kids about oversharing and explain why every photo or post creates a digital footprint that could be used against them.
Build a Routine for Reviewing Your Digital Footprint
If you’ve already begun improving your family’s digital security, you’ve taken an important first step. However, there’s no way to guarantee that poor habits won’t continue in the future. Take a moment each month to review your family’s digital footprint and build your monthly review around these steps:
- Deleting old accounts and unused apps
- Ensuring every family member has unique passwords for each account
- Checking for software updates
- Vetting social media profiles for sensitive overshares
You only need an hour or two each month to keep your digital life clean and your family safer. That’s invaluable.
Keeping Your Family One Step Ahead
We can’t roll back technology or erase digital risks from our homes. Therefore, keeping an eye on your family’s digital safety is non-negotiable. Don’t just take control, though — educate. If your family builds better digital habits together, every device in the house becomes harder to exploit, and you’ll all gain more control over your digital lives.