Your home network is the heart of your digital life, connecting everything from your laptop to your smart TV and security cameras. But a poorly secured device can put your entire network at risk.I’ve learned that one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your network is to use a guest Wi-Fi network.This is a separate network that isolates your smart devices, so if a hacker gets into one, they can’t access the rest of your network.
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Many routers, including those from BT/EE, let you set up a guest network easily through their app or browser settings. You can give the guest network its own name (SSID) and password, so it’s completely separate from your main Wi-Fi. This is a smart way to add an extra layer of protection to your home network without buying expensive new equipment.
The Importance of Updating Your Devices
Another crucial step is to keep your devices’ firmware updated. Just like your computer, security cameras run on firmware that needs regular updates to fix bugs and patch security flaws. If you don’t keep the firmware updated, you could be leaving your camera open to known attacks. Many newer cameras update automatically, but you should always check the app or settings to be sure.
Additionally, you should change the default password on your security cameras as soon as you set them up. Hackers can use automated tools to scan for devices that still use these default credentials and take them over in seconds. This is a simple but vital step to protect your home from intruders, both physical and digital.
What About Your Antivirus?
It’s not just security cameras you have to keep an eye on. One reader was charged £129 by an antivirus company called Total AV for a subscription he didn’t want. By law, companies must send notifications about subscriptions 30 days before they’re due to start. If the company didn’t send a notification, the user can cancel at any time without paying a fee. It’s a reminder to always check your bank statements for unexpected charges and to know your consumer rights.
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Bibliography:
“Stop hackers spying on your security camera.” Computeractive, Computeractive – Issue 715, 30 July-12 August 2025.
“Can I get a refund for unwanted antivirus?” Computeractive, Computeractive – Issue 715, 30 July-12 August 2025.
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