Once upon a time, a home network firewall was considered the de facto way to protect your home network from the bad guys. Not anymore.

We’re not negating the value of firewall protection, but if that’s the only control you have in place to protect your digital life – especially if you’re a lucrative target like a corporate executive or high-profile individual – you could be a sitting duck for a cyber-attack.

The trouble with network firewall security & device-centric cybersecurity

Just as a burglar can get around a locked door, any hacker can bypass a firewall.

Part of the problem is out-of-the-box home network firewalls for home use are rarely configured with robust security settings. Internet providers, who usually pre-package firewalls with home routers, do this to make them user-friendly and ease troubleshooting headaches for customer service teams.

Yet, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warns that most default network firewall security settings are “overly permissive.” And, while users are encouraged to take steps to harden the default configuration parameters, they often don’t. Indeed, our research shows 20% of homes have misconfigured firewalls. Moreover, even if configured correctly, there’s more to do to stay protected. Firewalls require regular patching and security fixes to defend against newly discovered threats.

Another limitation is that home network firewalls are static. The moment you leave your residence, you’re unprotected. So whether logging into the Wi-Fi at your local Starbucks or accessing your cloud accounts like Google or Apple from the airline business lounge – your personal devices are exposed.

And then there’s the basic fact that, for the most part, threat actors target the weakest link –  people. Targeting the executive’s personal email with phishing, their home automation network, devices, and their cloud accounts all account for the majority of vectors into their digital goods.

Add different zones of protection to your digital life

Home network firewalls are a necessary security control, but they are not sufficient. Just as you’d augment your front door lock with a Ring doorbell, a home alarm system, motion sensors, and floodlights – you need to cover all the other avenues into your accounts and devices.

When you’re outside the confines of the corporate office or need extra privacy and cybersecurity in your digital life, you must do more to protect against cyber risk. A few strategic, non-invasive measures – not more security appliances – can provide the protection you need.

That starts with securing your home network security and each device that connects to it. Access rights and potential password compromise should also be assessed then hardened with dual-factor authentication and an encrypted password vault. Finally, you must extend that cloak of protection to your cloud accounts.

Importantly, these measures can be blended invisibly and seamlessly into your everyday life, delivering peace of mind – anytime, anywhere. No one should need to step foot in your home to assess your cybersecurity posture or install a piece of hardware.

After all, cybersecurity is not a device you buy.

Holistic protection equals peace of mind

BlackCloak can help you with a smarter approach to personal cybersecurity and home network firewall protection. Our expert team crafts a tailored approach for each device, person, and home. More than a one and done approach, we merge our advanced technology and 24×7 monitoring with concierge cybersecurity support to ensure every aspect of your digital life is covered. Serving as your partner, we help protect your privacy, home, devices, and peace of mind.

Learn more about how BlackCloak ensures every aspect of your digital life is covered – beyond the front door.