Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser chatted with Bryan Oglesby Director of Public Relations and Outreach Better Business Bureau® about Home Cybersecurity Tips to Help Consumers Protect Their Digital Lives during Cybersecurity Awareness Month. From securing Wi-Fi networks to protecting smart devices and educating family members about scams, these recommendations are designed to make home technology safer and more resilient. As more households integrate connected gadgets—smart TVs, home assistants, security cameras, thermostats, and more—into everyday life, the attack surface for cybercriminals has expanded. Recognizing that many consumers may not know where to begin, BBB provides the following guidance:
Secure your home network: Set strong router login credentials, enable WPA2 or WPA3 encryption, activate a firewall on your router, and offer a separate guest Wi-Fi network for visitors.
Complete regular software and firmware updates: Set reminders to check for updates, ensure security patches and bug fixes are applied promptly, and keep work devices updated when working remotely.
Protect smart home devices: Use strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, isolate smart home devices on separate Wi-Fi networks from computers or mobile devices that hold sensitive data, and retire unsupported hardware.
Promote family education and safety practices: Discuss online risks and scams, establish ground rules for communication with strangers, set expectations for what can and cannot be shared online, and use parental controls across devices.
Use trusted resources from federal and nonprofit organizations: Explore resources from CISA, the FTC, NIST, FCC, FBI’s IC3, DOJ, Family and Media, ESRB, Net Cetera and Savvy Cyber Kids for deeper insights and alerts on emerging cybersecurity threats.
“Connected homes bring great convenience, but also increased responsibility,” said Karen Nalven, President and CEO of BBB Serving West Florida. “You don’t have to be a tech expert to make meaningful improvements. Even small steps—like using stronger passwords, applying updates, or isolating devices—can dramatically reduce risk.”
BBB’s Cybersecurity HQ provides both consumers and businesses a one-stop resource for cybersecurity tips at bbb.org/cybersecurity. BBB encourages everyone to review the information, adopt the recommendations, and share them with colleagues, friends, and family.
ABOUT BBB The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust for more than 110 years. In 2024, people turned to BBB more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 5.5 million businesses, and 720,000 times for BBB charity reports on about 12,000 charities, for free at BBB.org. The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States and Canada. Better Business Bureau Serving West Florida is one of many local, independent BBBs across North America that provide business profiles on companies within its 11 county service area. These counties include: Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Hardee, Desoto, Charlotte, Lee & Collier.


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