Commissioned by the national government
Nine out of ten households have an average of four smart devices. Products connected to the internet make life easier. But these smart doorbells, TVs, thermostats, routers and washing machines are often still vulnerable in terms of digital security. Software updates keep these devices and their data safe.
Internet criminals can already encrypt files, view data or photos or watch and listen with you via one insecure smart device. Previous research has shown that eight in ten owners of smart devices are aware that they can be hacked in this way. Yet most people don’t act on it. For example, more than half of the Dutch people postpone updates or forget to perform updates because of a lack of knowledge or because it is ‘hassle’.
Smart devices that are extra interesting for cyber criminals
- Smart (security) camera: once inside, cyber criminals can see, for example, whether you are at home. To really break into your house.
- Router: This is your front door to the Internet. All your smart devices are connected to it. Update it and prevent cybercriminals from accessing your network.
- Smart doorbell: Similar to the smart camera. Internet criminals can also monitor you and your environment via this device.
- Baby monitor: watch while your grandchild sleeps? Make sure your smart baby monitor is up to date to avoid prying eyes.
Misunderstandings when updating your smart devices
Many smart devices are not automatically updated. You will also not always receive a notification or notification when an update is ready for you. You may also have to look for the correct update yourself, for example via the manufacturer’s website. It is therefore important to regularly check whether there are any updates available for your smart device. To do updates on your smart devices, go through the following steps:
- Step 1: Open your smart device’s app.
- Step 2: Look at ‘Settings’.
- Step 3: Click there on ‘Update’.
- Step 4: Set up ‘Automatic update’. Sometimes automatic updating is not possible. Then put a reminder in your calendar to check your updates every 1st day of the new quarter.
Do you get a notification to do an update? Do it right away. Don’t have an app from your smart device? Then go to the manufacturer’s website and search for ‘update’.
Don’t get hacked, keep checking your updates
The ‘Do your updates’ campaign is an initiative of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate with the aim of encouraging people to update their smart devices. For more information and tips for securing various smart devices, visit doejeupdates.nl
