Veteran-led | Managed IT & Cybersecurity

How Secure Are You?

A Simple Security Guide

for Veterans and Families

Take a quick self-assessment to see what you might need to protect yourself. Many people think they're secure until a hack costs them their data, money, or identity. Take a moment to find out how secure you really are.

This guide isn't a substitute for a thorough check of your home's digital security, including your devices, online behavior, and protective measures. However, answering these 20 carefully selected questions will reveal how you can strengthen your defense against cyber threats.

Big thanks for diving into our cybersecurity self-check for your home. This guide is all about shining a light on those sneaky spots where cyber threats could sneak into your personal space, putting your peace of mind at risk. Let's fortify your fortress, together. Let's get started:

Do your home's digital devices use multifactor authentication (MFA) for added security? *

0 - I'm not sure what that is

1 - We use MFA for some important systems

2 - We use MFA on all our devices, including mobile

- 1 -

Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

for Home Devices

MFA provides extra security beyond your regular password. It might involve entering a code sent to your phone or using fingerprint recognition to access sensitive accounts.

Example: "John, a Navy veteran, utilizes Illuminated Secure’s recommended MFA tools to secure his family’s smartphones and tablets. These tools send a one-time code to his device, ensuring that only his family can access their personal technology."

Is there a strong password strategy in place for all family members? *

0 - We don’t have any rules or controls

1 - We have some rules but no controls

2 - We use a password manager to enforce strong passwords.

- 2 -

Strong Password Policies for Home Security

Strong passwords matter. They should be long, unique, and complex. A password manager can help you securely organize and remember them.

Example: "Samantha, an Air Force veteran, follows Illuminated Secure’s guidelines to create strong, unique passwords for her home security system. She uses a password manager, recommended by Illuminated Secure, to manage these passwords easily."

How timely are security updates installed on your devices? *

0 - No set process for finding and fixing vulnerabilities.

1 - We have a 30-day backlog of patches to install.

2 - We actively track vulnerabilities and stay up to date.

- 3 -

Software Security Updates

Regular software updates protect devices against known vulnerabilities. Set them to update automatically to make it easier.

Example: "The Thompson family, including a retired Marine, uses Illuminated Secure’s update management service to keep their home’s smart devices up-to-date, protecting against vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit."

What process is in place to remove digital access for someone who is no longer a household member and/or guest? *

0 - No set process for removing access after guests leave

1 - Our IT team is notified and manually revokes access

2 - All privileges revoked completely and immediately

- 4 -

Revoking Access in Personal Spaces

Whether it's changing Wi-Fi passwords or revoking shared account access, securing your network and devices is crucial when someone leaves the household.

Example: "After a roommate moved out, the Johnson family consulted Illuminated Secure to revoke his access to their smart home devices, ensuring their home’s digital keys were securely managed."

How is your family educated about recognizing and avoiding phishing attempts and other scams? *

0 - We don't hold any phishing-related family meetings

1 - We've shared some information through YouTube videos

2 - We regularly train and test the family

- 5 -

Phishing Awareness Training

Educating family members on the dangers of phishing and how to recognize suspicious emails, links, and messages can prevent identity theft and financial loss.

Example: "The Williams family participated in an Illuminated Secure workshop on phishing awareness. They learned to identify suspicious emails, a skill especially important for their tweens / teenagers / elder family members who are active online."

What measures are in place to detect and respond to unauthorized access to your home network or devices? *

0 - We don't have tools that detect active threats

1 - We use endpoint detection and response

2 - We use extended detection and response (XDR)

- 6 -

Home Network Intrusion Detection

Firewalls, antivirus software, and other security tools can help detect intruders. Make sure you also know how to respond if you suspect a breach.

Example: "Using Illuminated Secure’s detection services, the Andersons received an alert about an attempted intrusion on their home network, allowing them to block the attempt before any harm was done."

Are administrative privileges on your home network and devices appropriately limited and segmented? *

0 - "The entire family use the same password everywhere."

1 - "Our family uses a few variations of the same passwords."

2 - "We fully segment all admin privileges."

-7-

Smart Home Device Permission Management

Not everyone in the household needs administrative access. Limiting these privileges minimizes potential damage if a device is compromised.

Example: "Maria, an Army veteran, uses Illuminated Secure’s advice to set parental controls on her smart home system, ensuring her children can only access age-appropriate content and devices."

How often do you assess your home network's security posture, including the effectiveness of your firewall? *

0 - "We never conduct penetration tests."

1 - "We've had some tests, but it's been a while."

2 - "We test our firewall regularly, like clockwork."

-8-

Optimizing Home Network Firewalls

Regular checks, like penetration testing, can uncover weaknesses in your home network's defenses before attackers can exploit them.

Example: "The Garcia family uses Illuminated Secure’s firewall optimization service to secure their home network. This service ensures their online gaming and streaming experiences are safe and uninterrupted."

Have you considered cyber insurance to mitigate the impact of potential cyber incidents affecting your family? *

0 - "We don't have a cyber insurance policy."

1 - "Our policy and premiums are based on our current security posture."

2 - "We actively seek to qualify for the best coverage at the best price."

-9-

Choosing the Right Cyberinsurance

Cyber insurance provides financial protection against digital crimes like identity theft or data breaches.

Example: "Kevin, a Coast Guard veteran, used Illuminated Secure’s consulting services to find the best cyberinsurance policy for his family, ensuring they’re financially protected against potential cyber threats."

What's your strategy for backing up important digital documents and photos to prevent loss? *

0 - "We don't perform backups."

1 - "We have backup files and occasionally test them."

2 - "We regularly test our backups against recovery time objectives."

-10-

Data Backup for Families

Regular, secure backups can protect your family's digital memories and important documents from ransomware or hardware failure.

Example: "The Smiths, a military family, use Illuminated Secure’s automated backup solutions to protect their personal photos and documents, knowing their precious memories are safe from data loss."

Do you require cybersecurity practices from services and devices that interact with your home network? *

0 - "We don't ask guests about their cybersecurity."

1 - "We only ask about security measures when guests request to connect their devices to our network."

2 - "We have specific digital security standards for household services and devices."

-11-

Guest Cybersecurity Standards for Household Services

Making sure that guests follow cybersecurity standards can prevent your network from becoming a target for attackers.

Example: "Linda, a retired military nurse, ensures all smart home device guests comply with Illuminated Secure’s cybersecurity standards before installation, safeguarding her home against potential backdoor vulnerabilities."

How do you secure your family's use of cloud services and apps? *

0 - "We trust cloud providers to keep us safe."

1 - "We've put some cloud protections in place."

2 - "We actively manage all cloud-related cyber risks."

-12-

Securing Cloud Services for Family Use

Understanding cloud service security settings and protecting personal data are crucial steps in securing your family's digital life.

Example: "The Rodriguez family, with a parent serving overseas, relies on cloud storage for sharing precious family moments. Illuminated Secure helped them implement encryption and secure access controls, ensuring their private memories are safe and accessible only to them."

What physical security measures protect your devices from unauthorized access? *

0 - "We keep an eye on anyone who lingers too long around the perimeter of the house."

1 - "We restrict access to our home network settings and devices."

2 - "We enforce guidelines for securing rooms, USB drives, and printed documents."

-13-

Physical Security Management for Personal Devices

Securing devices physically, including using device locks and securing USB ports, can prevent data theft and unauthorized access.

Example: "To prevent unauthorized physical access to their devices, the Kim family, including a veteran of the Korean War, follows Illuminated Secure’s guidelines to secure USB ports and other entry points in their home office."

Are there protocols to prevent sending sensitive information over unsecured channels?

0 - "We don't have a way to prevent risky emailing.

1 - "Our devices have apps that encrypt sensitive emails to protect personal communications."

2 - "Our family uses a private email network with policies and controls for content and encryption."

-14-

Email Encryption for Sensitive Communication

Teaching family members not to send sensitive information like passwords or financial details over email or messaging can prevent data leaks.

Example: "Alex, a veteran entrepreneur, uses Illuminated Secure’s recommended email encryption services to protect sensitive business communications, ensuring that contracts and client information remain confidential."

How does your family stay compliant with digital privacy laws and best practices? *

0 - "We don't currently follow any specific guidelines."

1 - "We're just starting to understand digital privacy."

2 - "Our home maintains a comprehensive digital privacy strategy."

-15-

Compliance with Personal Data Regulations

Knowing privacy laws and managing settings on social media and online accounts can protect your family's personal information.

Example: "Sarah, who volunteers with veteran support groups, uses Illuminated Secure to ensure that her handling of fellow veterans’ sensitive information complies with data protection regulations, maintaining trust and security."

Are there special data protection measures for sensitive information? *

0 - "We treat all our data equally."

1 - "We have special protections for our most valuable data."

2 - "We use a multi-layered strategy tailored to our household's risks."

-16-

Data Classification and Protection

Encrypting sensitive files and using secure storage solutions can protect personal information from unauthorized access.

Example: "The Patel family, proud of their military heritage, uses Illuminated Secure’s data protection services to classify and secure their extensive library of historical military documents and records."

How do you safeguard remote access to your home network for family members who are away? *

0 - "Remote users only need their password."

1 - "We use passwords and MFA to authenticate remote users."

2 - "We have multi-layered safeguards for all remote logins."

-17-

Remote Work Security for

Veterans Working from Home

Using VPNs and secure authentication methods can protect your family's data when accessing the home network remotely.

Example: "Derek, a disabled veteran who works remotely, benefits from Illuminated Secure’s multi-layered security solutions, ensuring his work-from-home setup is as secure as a corporate office."

Is there an incident response plan for potential cybersecurity issues?

0 - "We don't currently have an incident response plan in place."

1 - "We have response procedures specifically for IT."

2 - "We have a family-wide incident response plan that we rehearse periodically."

-18-

Incident Response Planning for Personal Cybersecurity

Having a plan in place, including steps to isolate affected devices and contact information for professional help, can minimize damage from cyber incidents.

Example: "The Flores family had an incident response plan, developed with Illuminated Secure, which they swiftly enacted when they suspected a malware infection on their home network, minimizing damage and quickly restoring security."

Who in the household is responsible for overseeing cybersecurity?

0 - "We don't have a tech expert in the family."

1 - "We have some security knowledge and consider brands strategically when buying devices."

2 - "We have a dedicated virtual managed IT security team for the house."

-19-

Advisory Services for Personal Cybersecurity Strategy

Designating a responsible individual to manage and update the family's cybersecurity practices helps maintain a strong defense against threats.

Example: "Jasmine, recently retired from the Navy, consulted with Illuminated Secure’s virtual CSO (vCSO) services to develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy for her home, covering everything from smart appliances to her children’s tablets."

How is the importance of security and privacy communicated within your family? *

0 - "We rely only on the default security that comes with our devices."

1 - "We view security as a necessary investment that reduces risk."

2 - "Strong security lets our family focus on other things with confidence."

-20-

Valuing Security as Part of the Family Culture

Regular discussions about the importance of cybersecurity and privacy can cultivate a culture of awareness and proactive behavior in digital spaces.

Example: "The Bennett family views cybersecurity as an essential part of their daily life, adopting Illuminated Secure’s ethos that 'great security helps make us a great family,' ensuring a safe digital environment for learning, working, and playing."

Thanks for taking the Illuminated Secure self-assessment! I hope you found it enlightening. We're committed to making veterans hack-proof, and you've identified areas where your family's security can be enhanced.

If you're ready to gain a deeper understanding of how to protect yourself, and your family, whether your on active duty or otherwise, enter your name and email below to receive the next steps in securing your family against cyber-theft.
(Remember: Hackers are always hacking.)

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