The statements, views, and opinions that will be expressed during the event are those of the presenters and are not endorsed by, nor do they reflect the views or positions of, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. or any of its affiliates. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. or any of its affiliates are not liable for decisions made or actions taken in reliance on any of the information covered during the event. Please consult with your personal tax advisor on all tax-related matters.
Hello everyone, I am Phil Ferraro. I am J.P. Morgan’s Global Head of our Client Cyber Awareness Program in the Private Bank. Prior to coming to JP Morgan, I was a Global Chief Information Security Officer for 17 years which included CISO roles in the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and two other large Fortune 500 companies.
I am happy to share some cybersecurity tips with you today that you can use right away to better protect yourself and your family from a potential cyberattack.
Let me start by asking you a simple question--How many smart devices do you think you have?
Don’t just count your laptops, tablets, and mobile devices.
Well… The average person has access to more than 10 Internet connected devices in their home. So, if you counted less than 10, either you are below the average… or are not completely aware of all the smart devices you do own!
The list of internet-enabled devices that make our homes a much more convenient sanctuary has grown exponentially in the past years: smart televisions, gaming consoles, computers, printers, digital watches, digital personal assistants, music systems, nanny cams, security systems, refrigerators, smart vacuum cleaners, lighting, thermostats, and yes… even your workout equipment. Property technology, or “PropTech,” is in fact a new category in real estate and has even become a standard for homes and multi-family dwellings.
So, what´s the challenge with PropTech?
Here is the thing: Your digital convivences can put you at risk every day. Why?
People tend to use weaker passwords for thinks like their static bike or their thermostat because, well, why would a hacker care about accessing the information contained on a workout equipment? Well, here is a sobering fact: Cybercriminals can put even the most innocent-seeming devices to nefarious uses. Let me give you some examples:
- A home thermostat could reveal you are not at the house when the heating temperature is set at a minimum.
- A smart vacuum can create a map of your entire home layout, potentially giving insights to thieves.
- Fitness equipment often have built-in cameras and microphones that, if hacked, could give intruders ears and eyes into your home.
- Same thing with voice-controlled virtual assistant –while turned on, those devices are constantly processing the conversations around them.
The key question here is: How dangerous might these devices be to you and your family? Short answer is: It depends.
Here is the thing: Your digital convivences can put you at risk every day. Why?
I have FIVE best practices to keep your smart devices cyber secure that you can do today!
- First, we suggest that you have at least two separate networks in your home: typically, a main network and a guest network. Use your main network for all your business, financial, sensitive transactions, and remote work. Dedicate your guest network for less sensitive transactions, for instance, your children's online activities or schoolwork, family entertainment and all your Internet connected devices. If you have a large home with many Internet connected devices, you might consider adding a third network just for all the smart devices.
- Second, update your smart devices and related control apps to the latest software versions. This is essential to protect yourself from cyber vulnerabilities.
- Third, you must change the default passwords of your smart devices. I cannot stress how important it is to make sure your passwords are complex, and you use different passwords across devices and networks. Consider using a reputable password manager to help you securely manage all those usernames and passwords.
- Fourth, to protect your personal conversations, mute, unplug, or disable those smart devices that may be listening, responding, or capturing information when not in use. Familiarize yourself with the privacy settings on your personal assistant tools (i.e., Alexa Privacy Hub, or the Google Web & App Activity). Delete the dictation or voice logs of your personal assistant (i.e., Siri, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant)
- Fifth, use a webcam cover on your computers, laptops, tablets and fitness equipment when you’re not using their cameras.
If you can implement these five quick tips - you are on your way to a more secure home.
Also --you certainly do not have to tackle the challenge of your digital life alone. Make sure you do your research, as there are many reputable firms who can help you with both installation and security upkeep.
It really is unsettling how quickly cybercriminals can react during times of uncertainty and vulnerability. They are very creative, very clever. And that is why it is essential to do your part to safeguard yourself and your family against potential cyberattacks.
If you are interested in more cyber related tips, educational materials, or 1:1 cyber awareness sessions, please contact your J.P. Morgan team to learn more about our cybersecurity and fraud awareness programs, or to schedule a session with our cybersecurity experts.
The statements, views, and opinions that will be expressed during the event are those of the presenters and are not endorsed by, nor do they reflect the views or positions of, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. or any of its affiliates. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. or any of its affiliates are not liable for decisions made or actions taken in reliance on any of the information covered during the event. Please consult with your personal tax advisor on all tax-related matters. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC ©2020 JPMorgan Chase & Co.
