Have you ever left your house door unlocked? Imagine you did that, but with the internet world. In the second half of 2024, experts at the Center for Internet Security found that a lot of people and companies have been doing something pretty similar with their computer networks! They ran some special checks and discovered the top five most common ways those “digital doors” were left unlocked. Don’t worry—there are ways to lock those doors tight again.

Firstly, they saw many people still use old and easy-to-guess passwords. Think of it like using “1234” as the code for your bike lock—not very safe, right? The fix? Create stronger passwords that are like secret codes, which are much harder for the bad guys to guess.

Then, they found some companies weren’t updating their computer programs with the latest security patches. That’s like not fixing a broken lock—making it easy for someone to sneak in. The solution here is to always install updates and patches as soon as they come out, keeping your internet “house” in tip-top shape.

Thirdly, a big issue was that many systems could still be reached easily from anywhere in the world. It’s just as if you put up a sign on your front lawn saying, “Come on in.” Instead, you should use special settings that act like fences, keeping people away unless they have your permission to come in.

Another common mistake? Not keeping track of who has keys to your digital house. Sometimes people who no longer need access still have it, similar to an ex-roommate still having a key to your apartment. Always know who has access and remove it as soon as they don’t need it anymore.

Finally, experts noticed that a lot of businesses didn’t have a plan for when something goes wrong, like a break-in. Imagine if your house got robbed and you had no idea what to do next. Having a clear plan—and practicing it—can make a huge difference.

If reading all this makes you think, “How do I even start checking my digital locks?” don’t sweat it! It can be a lot to take in, especially all at once. You can read more details to get your place in tip-top security shape at www.cisecurity.org/insights/blog/top-5-weakest-security-configurations-how-fix-them.

But wait, there’s more good news! The Diversified Outlook Group is a team that loves to help people with this kind of stuff. They’re like the expert locksmiths of the internet! If you feel you need a hand checking your doors or want to know more about keeping your digital world safe, they’re there to help. Just send them an email at support@diversifiedoutlookgroup.com and ask away! They understand how to fix weak spots, brush up on internet safety, and even give you new tools to keep your online presence secure. Reach out, and you’ll be on your way to having one super-secure internet house.