Your home network is the backbone of your digital life—but it’s also a hacker’s favorite target. A single vulnerability can expose your family to cyber threats and identity theft. At PNW Cybersecurity, we’ve seen it all: weak Wi-Fi passwords, outdated devices, and missing MFA leaving PNW families at risk. Here’s how to secure your home network—and why you can’t afford to wait.

The Stakes Are High

A misconfigured Wi-Fi network can let a hacker in from across the street. 60% of smart devices—like your Ring doorbell—have known vulnerabilities (2024 IoT Security Study). A single breach can lead to identity theft, costing you thousands and years to recover. Your smart home should be a sanctuary, not a liability.

Three Steps to Lock It Down

• Change Your Wi-Fi Password: If your password is still “NETGEAR123” or hasn’t been updated in years, you’re begging for trouble. Use a strong, unique password—think 16+ characters, no dictionary words.

• Enable WPA3 Encryption: Older standards like WPA2 are vulnerable to attacks. Upgrade your router to WPA3 for the latest protection. Budget $150 for a new model if yours doesn’t support it.

• Audit Your Devices: That smart TV you bought in 2018? It could be a backdoor to your network. Check for outdated firmware and change default credentials (no more “admin/admin”).