Smart speakers, cameras, thermostats and plugs make life easier — and add dozens of new entry points to your home network. Many ship with weak security and phone home constantly, which is why they deserve their own protection plan.
Start with the basics
- Change the default password on every device and your router.
- Enable automatic firmware updates wherever you can.
- Put smart devices on a separate Wi-Fi network from your main devices.
- Disable features you never use, like remote access to a camera.
Layer on a VPN
A VPN protects the laptops and phones you use to control those devices, encrypting your control traffic so no one can take over your connection. The Family plan covers five devices at once, and adding an antivirus plan guards the screens you actually browse on. A few minutes of setup keeps your whole home private.