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Submitted URL: http://www.verizon.com/securityinfo
Effective URL: https://www.verizon.com/support/residential/internet/security/security-checklist?CMP=OTC_CON_OTH_22222_NA_20180328_NA_NM...
Submission: On July 13 via manual from US — Scanned from DE

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Support Internet Internet Security


INTERNET SECURITY

Using social media, shopping online, using email, or surfing the Internet
shouldn't leave you vulnerable to virus attacks, identity theft, or other
security breaches. That’s why it's important to educate yourself on these
security threats and how to protect yourself.


 * VERIZON CONTACTED ME REGARDING A SECURITY THREAT

 * Verizon may contact customers regarding network security threats when our
   network monitoring tools have detected a significant amount of harmful
   network traffic coming from a home or office network.  These threats pose a
   privacy and security risk to individuals and the broader network.  If
   contacted, it is likely that a device within your home or office is infected
   with malware.
   
   If you are contacted in this regard, pursuant to Verizon's Terms of Service
   and Acceptable Use Policy, we ask that you disconnect any such devices from
   your home or office network. This is an effort to protect your privacy and
   the network. We also ask that you contact the manufacturer's support
   department to determine how to properly secure the device, including closing
   any network ports on the device(s) exposed to the public Internet. Once fully
   patched with the most up to date firmware and software, please ensure that
   you protect access to the device by changing the admin login credentials. Use
   a strong password for all access points including remote viewing of the
   cameras. Once that is complete you may return the device to your network, and
   contact Verizon technical support at 800.837.4966.  Please see more detailed
   information below.
   
   Should these efforts fail and the device is once again found to be leveraged
   as an attack host, we will ask for the removal of the device until the vendor
   can devise an acceptable remediation.
   
    
   
   Steps to remediate the security threat:
   
   Immediate actions to take
   
    * Disconnect the device from your home or business internet network
      * Disable Wifi on the device
      * Remove any wired connection
   
   Additional actions to take
   
    * Contact the device manufacturer
      * Get the latest software updates available for your device
    * Change the password on the device
      * Do not use the default password
    * Strong Passwords
      * Are unique and not used anywhere else.
      * Are not common or easily guessable.
      * A longer password or passphrase is better than a short, complex
        password.
      * Include a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and
        special characters.
    * Disconnect the device from power (unplug the device) for several minutes,
      and reconnect
   
   Advanced settings to discuss with the device manufacturer
   
    * Universal Plug and Play should not be required/enabled to allow remote
      access.  This is likely what led to the infection.
    * If the device offers a cloud service, secure application, tunnel, or VPN
      to control who can remotely access the device, work with the manufacturer
      to use this secure remote access method. Doing so should help prevent
      unauthorized users from remotely accessing your device.
    * DMZ or Port Forwarding should not be required/enabled in your router to
      allow remote access.

 * Tips to protect yourself
 * Verizon Security Products
 * FAQs


TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF

 * Internet-connected devices
 * Viruses, worms and spyware
 * Identity theft
 * Phishing


INTERNET-CONNECTED DEVICES

From smart speakers to thermostats, TVs to cameras, our household devices have
multiplied and many are able to connect to the Internet through your home
router. As convenient and handy as these smart devices are, they can pose risks
to you, your family and your home network if not properly secured.

Tips to protect yourself:
Before purchasing and installing your devices, do your homework. Make sure the
devices you are purchasing allow you to change default usernames and passwords
and perform regular and automatic software updates. If it’s unclear whether the
device offers these capabilities, contact the seller or manufacturer.  If you
are unable to confirm whether the device supports password changes and software
updates, or if you are able to confirm that it does not, don’t purchase it--find
something more secure.


When installing your smart devices, be sure to do the following:


 * Carefully follow the manufacturer’s set-up and security instructions.
   
 * Change the default usernames and passwords of the devices, since those
   credentials may be publicly available. A strong password should consist of at
   least 8 or more characters and have numbers, letters (uppercase and
   lowercase) and special characters. The longer the password, the better.
   
 * Adjust the default privacy settings to determine which data gets collected
   and shared. Limit accordingly.
   
 * Disable features you don’t need, such as microphone, speaker or remote access
   administration.  Disable or disallow access to the device from outside of
   your home network unless you are confident that you have properly secured
   remote access.  
   
 * Enable automatic software updates on devices. Using the latest device
   software versions can help protect you from vulnerabilities.
   
 * Be mindful of where you place your smart devices to ensure your privacy is
   protected.
   
 * Be sure to turn off the device when not in use.
   
 * If the device is a video camera, smart home device, or other device that you
   want to be able to access from outside your home, for example through an app
   on your smartphone, it is especially important to make sure the device is
   secured from hackers and other Internet users by following steps above,
   otherwise anyone can take control of your device and use it for their
   purposes or to harm you.
   


VIRUSES, WORMS AND SPYWARE

Computer worms, viruses, spyware and other malicious programs can destroy or
steal data and personal information. Without your knowledge, hackers can use
viruses to harvest your personal information, steal your money, credit and
identity.

Tips to protect yourself:

 * Protect your computers from harmful programs by keeping your antivirus
   software up-to-date
 * Install security patches and updates as recommended by your operating system
   (Windows or MacOS) and other software vendors


IDENTIFY THEFT

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your Social Security number or other
confidential information to open new accounts, make purchases or get a tax
refund. This can occur by way of a phone call or an email from an allegedly
legitimate business or individual. It might even happen when someone searches
your trash for mail containing personal information and credit card receipts.

Tips to protect yourself:

 * Closely guard all personal information
 * If you are not absolutely certain you know the person or business you're
   talking to, be suspicious, ask questions and request callback information
 * Shred all documents, credit cards and applications before placing them in the
   trash
 * Check your credit annually through a reputable credit bureau


PHISHING

Phishing emails are made to look as though they are from a legitimate company.
The email may tell you that some sort of service normally provided to you is due
to expire soon. The email directs you to a phony website and asks you to provide
personal information such as a credit card or Social Security number so that
your service can be continued.

Tips to protect yourself:

 * Check for misspelled words in the email and closely examine the return
   address
 * If you never pre-enrolled with the company to do business via email, be
   suspicious
 * Contact the company you normally do business with and ask them to verify the
   request

See also:

 * Tips on cyber security
 * Home network security
 * Internet essentials


VERIZON SECURITY PRODUCTS

Digital Secure
Digital Secure is an all-in-one suite of privacy and security tools for your
mobile devices and home computers. Safeguard your internet connection and
personal data with anti-virus, anti-malware and identity theft protection. App
download is required.

Home Network Protection
Home Network Protection (HNP) is a free service on your Verizon Fios Quantum
Gateway Router or Fios Router that, once enabled, will automatically protect all
connected devices in your home network, including non-display Internet of Things
(IoT) devices (sometimes called 'headless' devices) such as smart thermostats or
smart refrigerators. Home Network Protection is already loaded on your Fios
Router.  It also includes parental controls to manage your family’s devices.

Verizon Protect Home
Verizon Protect Home provides protection for your eligible home entertainment
and smart home products, plus digital security features and premium tech
support.

See also:

 * Tips on cyber security
 * Home Network Security


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


 * WHAT IS SPYWARE?

 * Spyware is a type of malicious software or malware that monitors your
   activity on your computer and then transmits this information to a third
   party without your knowledge or consent.


 * HOW WOULD I KNOW IF I HAVE SPYWARE ON MY COMPUTER?

 * Spyware can impact your computer's performance, cause your web browser and
   other applications to close or stop responding as well as impact your ability
   to access the Internet.


 * HOW CAN I PROTECT MY COMPUTER FROM SPYWARE?

 *  * Most current antivirus software includes protection from Spyware. Ensure
      you keep your antivirus software up to date
    * Be very careful when downloading software from the Internet
    * Don’t click on email or website links; go to the software provider’s page
      directly
    * Verify that your web browser security settings provide the appropriate
      level of security
    * Verizon Protect Home offers one comprehensive security solution which
      helps protect all covered devices (including smartphones and tablets) from
      online threats like viruses, spyware and malware


 * WHAT IS A FIREWALL AND HOW CAN IT PROTECT ME?

 * Firewalls provide a barrier between your computer and the Internet and are
   one of the most effective ways to protect against hackers, viruses, worms and
   other malware. They monitor network traffic and decide whether to allow or
   block specific traffic based on a defined set of security rules.
   
    * Software Firewalls: Recent Windows Operating Systems have built in
      firewalls and are turned on by default. Software, such as
      Verizon’s Internet Security also contain a firewall
    * Hardware Firewalls: Routers can serve as a firewall protecting your home
      network. It's important to also have software firewalls on each computer
      within your home network to prevent viruses from spreading. Verizon’s home
      router provides a basic firewall in which you can apply high, medium, and
      low security access settings


 * ADVANCED PARENTAL CONTROLS - KEEP KIDS SAFE ONLINE

 * Protect children of all ages from exposure to inappropriate content, social
   networking risks, strangers and other online threats with McAfee Safe Family.
   
    * McAfee Safe Family is included in Verizon’s Digital Security Pro and
      provides: Advanced parental controls
    * Track kids’ online usage and history
    * Restrict kids’ time online and app usage
    * Change protections on the fly
   
   To learn more about how to keep you and your family safe online
   visit StaySafeOnline.org - National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA).

See also:

 * Tips on cyber security
 * Home Network Security
 * Account Security Account Change Notification


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 * Repair status
 * Contact us


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