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One of those things

Safety measures for internet-enabled appliances

Family using mobile devices together
Do you know how to protect your home’s smart devices from hackers?

Phones aren’t the only things that are smart.

Toys, watches, TVs, refrigerators, ovens and even lightbulbs with online connections fit into a product category referred to as the “internet of things.”

While connected devices and appliances offer conveniences — such as controlling thermostats from smartphones or getting the weather forecasts from digital assistants — hackers can potentially manipulate them to gain access to personal information.

Here are some tips to protect these kinds of devices:

• Create strong passwords. Reset the default passwords on devices with stronger versions.

• Install the latest software updates. Security updates help protect devices from unauthorized access.

• Disable internet connections. If your device functions without the internet or you’re unable to update the password or software, disconnect it.

The CyberSafe at USPS BlueLiteBlue and USPSCyberSafe.com sites have more information.

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