We had a few family members over for the holidays, which meant it was time to be a tech support guy for a few days. Most of my tech savvy friends go through this whenever family come to visit. At some point, they are asked to “fix” broken computers, which usually are running slow because of malware or viruses.
There is a lot of bad stuff on the Internet and even the tech savvy can get caught by it from time to time. Most people do their best by avoiding suspicious sites and deleting emails with questionable links and promises of large cash transfers. But it never hurts to have an added layer of protection considering how sophisticated phishing attacks have become.
Most of us have been conditioned to think of installing anti-virus software as a first step to protecting a device. The challenge is that this software is usually designed for PCs and overlooks the need to protect our cell phones, tablets, and other internet connected devices. I tried to count all of the internet connected devices in our house and finally gave up. Our router is constantly flashing from all of the data going between the TV, Xbox, thermostat, laptops, tablets, phones, and our stereo system.
One way to protect everything on your network is by starting at the source. Instead of installing software on each individual device, you can use something like the Bitdefender BOX which screens all of the traffic going through your router. This simplifies the security of your home network because you just need to plug one device into your router instead of installing (and constantly updating) software on every device used in your household.
Bitdefender BOX protects any device that connects to the internet and works across platforms (so you don’t have to worry about different software for a Mac vs. PC or even Android). I received a system to try out and found it was easy to set up. You just plug it in, connect it to your router and set it up from your phone.
The Bitdefender BOX (the thing you plug into your router) sells for $199, but they currently are offering it for free when you sign up for a year subscription. Like most other anti-virus companies, Bitdefender BOX works on a subscription model which gives you a constant stream of updates as new threats are identified. It is nice to have a little peace of mind knowing that your security software is always being updated.
The nice people at Bitdefender BOX provided me with a more fancy Bitdefender BOX to give away to lucky readers. Just share how many connected devices you have, or why you want to win a Bitdefender BOX using #ProtectedByBOX and tagging @BitdefenderBOX on Twitter or #BitdefenderBOX on Instagram. Sweepstakes rules at: https://bit.ly/1mGn324
