Most of the security messes I get called in to clean up didn’t start as emergencies. They started as something small and quiet — a router that hadn’t been updated in years, a computer that silently stopped getting security patches, a Wi-Fi password that’s been the same since the box was opened. By the time they’re obvious, they’re expensive — or worse, someone has already gotten in.
The good news: you can catch most of these yourself in about ten minutes, no tech degree required — and it works the same whether your home runs on Windows PCs, Macs, or a mix of both. Think of it like checking the smoke detectors: quick, a little boring, and absolutely worth it. Here’s the same checklist I run through when I do a network health check.
1. Check how old your router is
Your router — the box your internet comes through — is the front door to everything on your network. And like a phone, it stops getting security updates after a few years.
Quick check: Find the model number on the bottom of the router and search it along with the words “release date.” If it’s more than about four or five years old, it’s likely no longer getting security updates — which means known holes never get patched. That’s the single most common weak spot I find.
2. Turn on automatic updates
Routers, computers, and phones all release updates that fix security holes. The trick is letting them install automatically so you don’t have to remember.
Quick check: In your router’s app or settings, look for “Firmware” and turn on automatic updates if it’s offered. (Firmware is just the software that runs the router itself.) Do the same on your computers and phones.
3. Change the default passwords
Many routers ship with a default admin login like “admin / password,” and those defaults are published online for anyone to look up.
Quick check: Log into your router’s settings and make sure the admin password is something only you know. While you’re there, confirm your Wi-Fi password is long and hard to guess, and that your network uses WPA2 or WPA3 security. If you see “WEP,” that’s the old, broken kind — time to upgrade.
4. Set up a guest network
Every smart gadget — doorbells, TVs, thermostats, the kids’ tablets — is another door into your network, and the cheap ones are often the least secure.
Quick check: Most routers let you turn on a separate guest network. Put visitors and smart-home gadgets on it, and keep your computers and phones on your main network. If one of the cheap devices gets compromised, it can’t reach the computer with your tax returns on it.
5. Make sure your computer still gets security updates
Whether you’re on a Windows PC or a Mac, security updates are your seatbelt — and older versions eventually stop getting them. The first step is knowing exactly what you’re running, because that tells you whether your computer is still supported.
On Windows — find your version: Press the Windows key + R, type winver, and press Enter. A small box shows your edition and version (for example, “Windows 11, version 23H2”). You can also go to Settings → System → About. If it says Windows 10 or older, take note: Windows 10’s free security updates have ended, so that machine is overdue for a plan.
On a Mac — find your version: Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and choose About This Mac. You’ll see the macOS name and number (for example, “macOS 14 Sonoma”). Apple generally provides security updates for roughly the latest three macOS versions, so if yours is much older than that, it may no longer be getting fixes.
Quick check: On Windows, open Settings → Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” On a Mac, open System Settings → General → Software Update. If updates have been failing or stuck for months — or your version is past its support window — it’s time to update, or to plan a replacement before it becomes a security risk.
6. Turn on your built-in antivirus — and know its limits
For most homes, the antivirus built into your system is all you need — and it’s free. I generally recommend sticking with these native tools rather than paying for a third-party suite that tends to nag you and slow the computer down.
On Windows: Microsoft Defender is built in and genuinely good. Make sure it’s running — search “Windows Security,” open it, and confirm Virus & threat protection shows a green check and a recent update. A red or yellow warning means it needs attention.
On a Mac: Apple’s built-in protection is called XProtect, working alongside Gatekeeper (which screens the apps you open). It runs quietly in the background — there’s nothing to switch on — as long as you keep macOS updated and stick to trusted apps.
The catch most people miss: these built-in tools only keep protecting you while your operating system is still supported. Once Microsoft or Apple stops updating your OS (see step 5), Defender and XProtect eventually stop receiving new virus definitions too. So an out-of-date computer is exposed twice over — no system patches and stale antivirus. That’s the real reason to keep your OS current, or replace a machine that can no longer be updated.
7. Look for devices you don’t recognize
Your router keeps a list of everything connected to your network. Skimming it occasionally is a great way to spot trouble.
Quick check: In your router’s app, find the list of connected devices. If you see something you can’t identify, it’s worth investigating — it might be a forgotten gadget, or it might be a guest who never left.
When it’s time to call a pro
A checkup like this catches the obvious stuff. But if any of these are true, it’s worth having someone take a real look:
- Your router or main equipment is more than 4–5 years old.
- You’re running Windows 10 or older, or a Mac that’s several macOS versions behind, on a computer you still use for anything important.
- You found devices on your network you can’t explain.
- You run a business, handle client or patient data, or just want it done right without the homework.
This is exactly what I do every week, and right now I’m offering a free 15-minute network and security health check — remote or in person, for Windows and Mac homes alike. I’ll run through this list (and the parts that are harder to check yourself) and tell you straight whether everything’s in good shape. Often it is, and you get peace of mind for free.
If you’d like one, reach out here or give me a call. Ten minutes today can save you a very bad afternoon later.
— Brian, I am Geek. Your local IT support in the Nashville area.