Personal data leaks: strengthening your home cybersecurity

Why are data leaks skyrocketing among individuals and SMEs?

A steady increase confirmed by European institutes

According to the European Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), incidents involving personal data have increased by more than 35% in two years (source: ENISA Threat Landscape 2023).

Multi-device households, the new ideal target

The proliferation of connected objects (cameras, speakers, toys, thermostats, etc.) creates an ecosystem that is easy to exploit:

• devices that are rarely updated
• default passwords
• lack of network segmentation

SMEs without an IT team are vulnerable

60% of French SMEs that have been victims of a data breach say they lack the internal resources to manage security (source: CESIN, Barometer 2023).

The main causes of personal data leaks

Phishing – still the number one method

Cybercriminals are now using AI to generate virtually undetectable emails that perfectly mimic banks, government agencies, or transport companies.

Signs of phishing:

• urgent request
• unexpected attachment
• short link
• email too generic

Weak passwords

A simple password can be cracked in seconds using automated attacks.

Unsecured home Wi-Fi

Family networks are often set up quickly, without auditing or segmentation.

The most common errors:

• WPA2 still used instead of WPA3
• SSID unchanged
• password shared by the whole family
• non-existent guest network

Devices that have not been updated

Smartphones, tablets, laptops… but also connected TVs and IoT devices rarely receive critical updates.

Incorrectly configured cloud storage

Poorly configured shared spaces are among the primary sources of data leakage in SMEs.

How can you strengthen your home cybersecurity on a daily basis?

Get a secure router and Wi-Fi

A secure network is the first line of defence.

Choose a reliable, well-maintained box with a secure high-speed internet connection.

Essential settings:

• WPA3 encryption
• change of administrator password
• mandatory guest network for visitors
• WPS deactivation

Update all devices

Enable automatic updates to prevent exploitable vulnerabilities.

Priorities:

• smartphones
• browsers
• OS
• connected objects

Use a password manager

A good password manager allows you to create unique, complex passwords that are impossible to remember.

Useful features:

• password audit
• automatic filling
• secure family sharing

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Ideally via an application (not by text message).

ANSSI estimates that two-factor authentication reduces more than 80% of intrusions linked to login credentials (source: ANSSI, Digital Hygiene Guide 2023).

Protecting children: parental controls and best practices

Children are particularly vulnerable to scams, dubious downloads and fake accounts.

Recommended:

• activate the parental filters on the box
• create specific user profiles
• raise awareness about scams and dangerous games
• only allow official stores

SME network security: best practices accessible without an IT team

Audit the network and access points

Before any optimisation, it is essential to map out:

• who has access to what
• from which device
• with what level of authorisation

Segment the network

Simple examples for a small organisation:

• main network: workstations
• guest network: visitors + personal smartphones
• IoT network: printers, cameras, sensors

Regular encrypted backups

Automated, tested, stored offline or in a secure cloud.

Team awareness

Human error accounts for up to 82% of breaches (source: Verizon Data Breach Report 2023).

Implement Zero Trust access

Even employees: every access must be controlled, restricted and encrypted.

Anti-leak checklist: to be implemented immediately

✔ For families

• Update all devices
• Create a guest network
• Install a password manager
• Enable 2FA
• Protecting children through parental control
• Monitor suspicious connections

✔ For SMEs

• Inventory the appliances
• Segment the network
• Automatically save
• Train teams regularly
• Securing remote access
• Enable security logs

Conclusion

Data leaks are not inevitable. By applying a few essential practices, families and SMEs can dramatically reduce the risks. Robust home cybersecurity not only protects your data, but also your peace of mind. To go further, don’t hesitate to check whether your current Internet connection offers a level of security that is appropriate for your environment: a stable, encrypted and updated network remains your best defence.

Frequently Asked Questions