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The future is now. Many homeowners across the country have embraced technological advances and incorporated them into their everyday lives. Thermostats, lighting, locks, security cameras, washing machines and more all come available as internet-connected devices and can be combined in a house to create whats been dubbed a smart home.

The added convenience of these devices, however, has also created new opportunities for cybercriminals. To help protect your smart home, the security experts at Norton offer the following tips:

1. Name your router. Your WiFi router is like the front door to your smart home, so dont stick with the name the manufacturer gave it, which might identify the make or model. Give it an unusual name not associated with you or your address. You dont want your router name to give away any personal identifiers.

2. Use strong WiFi encryption. In your router settings, its a good idea to use a strong encryption method, like WPA2, when you set up WiFi network access. This will help keep your network and communications secure.

3. Change default usernames and passwords. Cybercriminals probably already know the default passwords that come with many smart products. That makes it easy for them to access the devices and, potentially, the information on them.

4. Use solid passwords for WiFi networks and device accounts. Avoid common words or passwords that are easy to guess, such as password or 123456. Instead, use unique, complex passwords made up of letters, numbers and symbols.

5. Check the device settings. Your smart devices might come with default privacy and security settings. You might want to consider changing them, as some default settings could benefit the manufacturer more than they benefit you.

6. Disable features you might not need. Smart devices come with a variety of services such as remote access, often enabled by default. If you dont need a feature, be sure to disable it.

7. Keep your software up to date. When your smartphone manufacturer sends you a software update, dont put off installing it. It might be a patch for a security flaw. Mobile security is important, since you may connect to your smart home through mobile devices. Your home device makers may also send you updates, or you might need to visit their websites to check for them. Be sure to download device updates to help stay safe.

8. Audit devices already on your home network. It could be time to upgrade that old security camera. Take time to check if newer models might offer stronger security.

9. Use authentication. Two-factor authentication, such as a one-time code sent to your cellphone, can keep the bad guys out of your accounts. If your smart-device apps offer two-factor authentication, or 2FA, use it.

10. Avoid public WiFi. When managing your smart home remotely, its not a good idea to use public WiFi networks, as they can be very vulnerable. If you choose to use public WiFi, consider subscribing to a virtual private network (VPN) for additional security.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

More space is one of the must-haves of just about everyone looking for a home, but if you happen to have a home on the market that has tiny rooms, it doesn’t mean there won’t be any interest in the property. It just means you may have to do some things to jazz it up.

A small room doesn’t necessarily translate into an uninteresting room, and there are numerous design tricks you can take advantage of to make it more eye-catching, starting with clearing it out as best you can so clutter doesn’t get in the way.

It’s a good idea to create a singular focal point in the room, such as adding a colorful pattern to the bed in a bedroom, setting a dining room table as if you’re having a lavish dinner party or adding a comfortable chair in the living room. The idea is not to have too much furniture around these items so they appear larger than they are. Having one large painting as opposed to several on the walls is also better for aesthetics.

Light will enhance a room and can make it appear larger than it really is. This doesn’t mean, however, that you want to add a bulky lamp that takes up too much space. The less items clamoring for attention, the better.

Use light and bright colors throughout the house. Icy blues and cream colors are lauded as the best color combinations that can really make a tiny room seem bigger. Conversely, heavy, dark colors absorb light and can make a small space seem even smaller. It’s all about illusion. Light and brightly colored walls are more reflective, making a space feel open and airy.

Consider adding mirrors or glass to a room to also help with size, as they give an impression that a room is larger than it really is.

When it comes to a small kitchen, keep things organized in cabinets and not laying around on the counters. Smaller chairs or stools are also better, as is a round table instead of a square one.

A small space doesn’t have to mean less interest. With the right design, furniture and color usage, a small room can leave a big impression.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are a few tips for the ultimate staycation…

Call the Cleaners

Have a cleaning service do an extra deep clean so your home practically feels like a hotel.

Pamper Yourself

Pick a few products to upgrade around the house, like luxurious bath salts or fine linens for your bed.

Make Reservations

Book yourself a day at the spa, make a special dinner reservation or buy tickets to a show.

Stock Up on Your Favorite Foods

Everyone eats well when they go on vacation, so its perfectly fine to indulge in your favorite gourmet items and sweets.

Family Activities

Plan out a few activities that the whole family will enjoy, like apple picking or taking a day trip to a nearby attraction.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If you have a small bathroom and/or a large family, storage space is at a premium. Without a solid organizational system, a bathroom can quickly become cluttered. Items that belong in the bathroom may get shoved into other closets, which can make finding things a hassle. Here are some tips to help you make the most of the available space in your bathroom and find more room for storage:

Keep Toilet Paper and Towels Within Reach
A wheeled cart can provide much-needed storage space, especially if it has two or three shelves. Use one or two to keep toilet paper and towels close by, and store some frequently used toiletries on top.

Another option is to find an attractive basket that will fit on top of the toilet and fill it with extra rolls of toilet paper. You can also roll up or fold towels and place them in baskets under the sink if you dont have a vanity.

Take Advantage of Empty Wall Space
If you have some unoccupied space on a wall, make the most of it by hanging shelves. Stack a few shelves, and keep items you frequently use easily accessible and things you use less often higher but still within reach. You can also mount decorative baskets on the walls to store extra toiletries.

Utilize Available Space Under the Sink
If your bathroom has a vanity under the sink, you can place storage caddies there to keep things organized in an awkwardly shaped space. If your sink doesnt have a vanity, the area under the sink can be an ideal spot to place a stack of drawers. They can be used for towels, toiletries and hair-styling tools to keep everything within easy reach but out of the way.

Organize Makeup So Items Are Easy to Find
If you own a large assortment of makeup and have trouble finding the eyeliner or lipstick you want, organize everything on a Lazy Susan. That will make it simple to find what you need on a busy morning and keep your makeup from cluttering drawers.

Create More Storage Space in the Shower
If you dont have enough room for shampoo, conditioner and body wash in the shower, you can make more storage space by mounting a rod next to a wall in the shower. Hang one or more storage caddies to keep things organized and easily accessible.

Hide Items From View
If your bathroom has a medicine cabinet or full-length mirror with a door that opens outward, use the area behind it to your advantage. Install some shelves to create hidden storage space.

Explore New Ways to Use Limited Space
A cluttered and disorganized bathroom can make hectic mornings even more stressful and lead to conflicts between family members. If youre struggling to keep your bathroom organized, try some of these simple, inexpensive and effective strategies to create more storage space.

Published with permission from RISMedia.