Stay Protected from Cyberattacks: Simple Safeguards to Reduce Cyber Intrusions and Real-World Losses

(Feature Impact) Connected homes are becoming the norm with millions of Americans relying on Wi-Fi networks, mobile apps and smart devices to manage everything from door locks to thermostats.

As convenience increases, so does exposure, and the experts at multiple-line insurance carrier Mercury Insurance are reminding homeowners that basic cybersecurity practices can help reduce both their digital and physical risks.

“Smart-home technology is incredibly useful, but it also expands the number of entry points into your home – not just digitally, but physically,” said Dustin Howard, head of info security at Mercury Insurance. “The good news is that many of the most effective protections are simple, proactive steps that homeowners can take today.”

Smart-home adoption continues to accelerate with recent studies showing roughly 70% of U.S. households now use at least one connected device. From video doorbells to smart garage doors, these tools provide visibility and control, but if not properly secured, they can also create vulnerabilities that bad actors may exploit.

Consider these cybersecurity best practices for connected homes:

• Secure your Wi-Fi network: Use strong, unique passwords – at least 14-16 characters with a mixture of letters, numbers and symbols – and enable WPA3 encryption when available to prevent unauthorized access. Also turn on your router’s built-in firewall and disable Wi-Fi protected setup.
• Update devices regularly: Firmware and software updates often include critical security patches that close known vulnerabilities. Turn on automatic updates for operating systems, applications, browsers and smart home devices such as thermostats and cameras. If devices are no longer able to update, it may be time to replace them to avoid compromising security.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Adding a second layer of verification significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized account access. Enable MFA for email accounts, banking and financial apps, cloud storage and social media accounts, and use an authenticator app for confirmation rather than receiving a code via text or email.
• Segment your network: Consider placing smart-home devices, including televisions, security cameras and speakers, on a separate network from personal devices like laptops and phones. Also create a guest network for visitors to use to help further protect your main network.
• Change default settings: Many devices come with default usernames and passwords that are widely known and easily exploited. Change the defaults on your router as well as login credentials for any new devices, making admin accounts more difficult to target.
• Monitor device activity: Regularly review connected devices and remove any that are unfamiliar or no longer in use. If your router supports it, enable notifications for new device connections for real-time visibility.

“As homes become more connected, cybersecurity becomes a core part of overall home protection,” Howard said. “It’s not just about protecting your data – it’s about protecting your property, your privacy and your peace of mind.”

With smart-home technology expected to continue expanding, homeowners should treat cybersecurity as a routine part of home maintenance – just like checking smoke detectors or locking doors – to stay ahead of evolving risks.

For more information about protecting your home from cyberattacks, visit mercuryinsurance.com/resources.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:

Mercury Insurance

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Nicholas Pellegrino, University of Connecticut; Doug Brugge, University of Connecticut, and Misha Eliasziw, Tufts University

HEPA air purifiers may boost brain power in adults over 40 – new research

Using an in-home HEPA purifier for one month spurs a small but significant improvement in brain function in adults age 40 and older. That’s the result of a new study we co-authored in the journal Scientific Reports.

HEPA purifiers – HEPA stands for high efficiency particulate air – remove particulate matter from the air. Exposure to particulate matter has been connected to respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses as well as neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Environmental health researchers increasingly recommend that people use HEPA air purifiers in their homes to lower their exposure to particulate matter, but few studies have examined whether using them boosts mental function.

We analyzed data from a study of 119 people ages 30 to 74 living in Somerville, Massachusetts. Somerville sits along Interstate 93 and Route 28, two major highways, resulting in relatively high levels of traffic-related air pollution. This makes it an especially good location for testing the health effects of air purifiers.

We randomly assigned participants to one of two groups. One used a HEPA air purifier for one month and then a sham air purifier – which looked and acted like the real thing but did not contain the air-cleaning filter – for one month, with a monthlong break in between. The second group used the real and sham purifiers in reverse order.

After each month, participants took a test that measured different aspects of their mental capacity. The test probed people’s visual memory and motor speed skills by measuring how quickly they could draw lines between sequential numbers, and it tested executive function and mental flexibility by asking them to draw lines between alternating sequential numbers and letters.

We found that participants 40 years and older – about 42% of our sample – on average completed the section testing for mental flexibility and executive function 12% faster after using the HEPA purifier than after using the sham purifier. That was true even when we accounted for factors like differences in the amount of time participants spent indoors, with either filter, as well as how stressful they found the test.

This improvement may seem small, but it is similar to the cognitive benefits that people experience from increasing their daily exercise. While you may not experience a sudden increase in clarity from a 12% boost, preventing cognitive decline is vital for long-term well-being. Even small decreases in cognitive functioning may be associated with a higher risk of death. https://www.youtube.com/embed/CKpg3qCMXi4?wmode=transparent&start=0 Studies increasingly show that air pollution can be detrimental to brain health.

Why it matters

Air pollution can negatively affect mental function after just a few hours of exposure. Studies show that air purifiers are effective at reducing particulates, but it’s unclear whether these reductions can prevent cognitive harm from ongoing pollution sources like traffic. Research has been especially lacking in people living near major sources of air pollution, such as highways.

People living near highways or major roadways are exposed to more air pollution and also experience higher rates of air pollution-related diseases. These risks aren’t encountered by all Americans equally: People of color and low-income people are more likely to live near highways or areas with heavy traffic.

Our study shows that HEPA air purifiers may offer meaningful health benefits under these circumstances.

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What still isn’t known

Research shows that air pollution begins to affect cognitive function especially strongly around age 40. These effects may become increasingly prominent as people age.

HEPA air purifiers may therefore be especially beneficial for older adults. Our study did not explore this possibility, as fewer than 10 of our 119 participants were over the age of 60.

Also, our participants only used a HEPA air purifier for one month. It’s possible that longer durations of air purification may sustain or even increase the improvement in cognitive function we observed in our study.

Finally, it is unclear exactly how air purifiers improve cognition. Some studies suggest that exposure to particulate matter reduces the amount of the brain’s white matter, which helps brain cells conduct electrical signals and maintains connections between brain regions. The brain regions most harmed by air pollution are the ones that control mental flexibility and executive function, the same domains in which we saw improvements in our study.

We plan to study whether reducing particulate matter by using air purifiers is indeed protecting the brain’s white matter, and whether it could reverse some cognitive decline. We will explore that possibility by studying how levels of molecules called metabolites, which cells produce as they do their jobs, change in response to breathing polluted air and air cleaned by a HEPA filter.

The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

Nicholas Pellegrino, Research Associate in Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut; Doug Brugge, Professor of Public Health Science and Community Medicine, University of Connecticut, and Misha Eliasziw, Associate Professor of Biostatistics, Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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Room-by-Room Tips for Clutter-Free Spaces

(Feature Impact) A well-organized home isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating systems that make everyday life easier. When everything has a place, it’s simpler to maintain and keep clutter from creeping back in.

Experts often recommend tackling organization one room at a time, sorting items into categories like keep, donate or discard before finding the right storage solutions. If your home could use a refresh, start small and work your way through each space with these organization tips.

Entryway

A dedicated “drop zone” ensures items used daily don’t end up scattered throughout the house. However, the entryway is also one of the easiest places for clutter to pile up. To keep it tidy:

• Install wall hooks for coats, bags and backpacks
• Use a small bench or basket for shoes
• Add a tray or bowl for keys, sunglasses and everyday essentials

Kitchen

One of the most-used rooms in nearly every home, kitchen organization is key to making daily routines smoother. To stay organized:

• Clear unnecessary items off countertops
• Group pantry items by category, such as snacks, baking supplies and canned goods
• Store rarely used appliances in cabinets or a pantry

Living Room

Living rooms often serve many purposes, from relaxing and entertaining to working or studying. The key is creating storage that blends seamlessly with your decor:

• Use decorative baskets for blankets, magazines and toys
• Choose furniture with hidden storage like ottomans or coffee tables
• Keep remotes and small electronics in a designated tray or organizer

Bedroom

Your bedroom should feel like a sanctuary. Too much clutter can make it harder to relax and unwind. To maintain order:

• Keep only essential items on nightstands
• Rotate seasonal clothing to free up closet space
• Use under-bed storage bins for extra linens or off-season clothes

Bathroom

Bathrooms often have limited space, so smart storage solutions are essential:

• Keep countertops clear except for frequently used products
• Separate backup supplies from daily-use items, which should be stored for quick access
• Use over-the-door organizers for towels or extra storage

Home Office

Whether you work remotely or simply manage household tasks, an organized office helps you stay focused. To improve productivity and reduce distractions:

• Digitize or recycle unnecessary paperwork
• Use desk trays and organizers for supplies
• Create labeled folders or a filing system for important documents

Storage Areas

Garages, basements and storage rooms can quickly become catch-all spaces. A little planning can make them much easier to manage:

• Label bins for seasonal decorations, tools or sports equipment
• Use shelving and wall storage to maximize vertical space
• Keep an inventory list for larger storage areas

With a little planning and the right habits, a well-organized home becomes easier to maintain. Find more ideas at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:

eLivingtoday.com

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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.