Most people assume cyberattacks only happen to large companies, but today’s cybercriminals increasingly target individual households. With more devices, online accounts, and digital conveniences than ever before, the average home now has more cyber exposure than some small businesses.
This guide breaks down the everyday cyber risks most families overlook, the most common scams affecting households, and when personal cyber insurance can help cover financial losses that homeowners insurance typically does not protect.
Why Cyberattacks Are Increasing at Home
Cybercriminals follow one rule: attack the easiest target.
And for most families, that includes:
- Unsecured Wi-Fi networks
- Smart TVs, baby monitors, and speakers
- Online banking and shopping apps
- Email accounts linked across multiple devices
- Kids or teens using gaming platforms
- Public Wi-Fi usage
- Smart-home systems all connected to the same network
If a device connects to the internet, it can be compromised.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Cyberattacks?
Usually, no.
Traditional homeowners’ policies are designed for physical property damage. They don’t generally cover:
- Online fraud
- Ransomware
- Social engineering scams
- Unauthorized bank transfers
- Restoration of infected devices
Common Cyber Threats Families Face
These reflect real People Also Ask questions, such as “What are the most common online scams?” and “Can someone hack my home devices?”
1. Email Scams That Look Completely Legitimate
Cybercriminals often impersonate family or friends and ask for emergency money transfers.
Real Example: A client wired several thousand dollars after receiving emails appearing to be from a sibling abroad. The emails had been intercepted and altered by a scammer.
Outcome: Their personal cyber policy reimbursed the fraudulent transfers and covered computer restoration.
2. Fake Vacation Rentals and Online Shopping Scams
Scammers copy real photos from Airbnb, VRBO, or other rental listings and repost them on fake sites.
Families pay deposits, only to discover the property never existed.
Outcome: Personal cyber coverage reimbursed a fraudulent $1,000 deposit for a nonexistent beach rental.
3. Cyberattacks Through Smart-Home Devices
Smart appliances and home devices are convenient and easy targets.
Hackers can exploit:
- Smart thermostats
- Wi-Fi cameras
- Smart TVs
- Baby monitors
- Wi-Fi printers
- Home assistants
Once inside the network, criminals can access stored passwords, private files, and email accounts.
4. Malware Hidden in Everyday Links
PAA Answer: “How does malware get on your computer?”
Often through a link you didn’t expect, or an attachment that looks harmless.
Real Example: A policyholder opened what appeared to be an email from an old friend. The attachment contained malware that corrupted the hard drive.
Outcome: Their policy covered the specialist who reformatted the computer and restored the data.
Is Personal Cyber Insurance Worth It?
It may be valuable if you:
- Use online banking
- Frequently shop online
- Use smart-home devices
- Store personal information on phones or laptops
- Have kids or teens active online
- Use public Wi-Fi regularly
Cyber incidents at home are more common than people think and financial losses from fraud or cyberattacks typically fall outside standard home insurance.
How to Reduce Your Cyber Risk at Home
To help protect your digital footprint:
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Turn on two-factor authentication
- Keep all devices updated
- Create a guest network for smart-home devices
- Avoid clicking unfamiliar links
- Confirm money requests with a phone call
- Use a secure password manager
- Avoid online banking on public Wi-Fi
These steps dramatically reduce risk, but they can’t eliminate it completely.
Have Questions About Personal Cyber Coverage?
If you want to understand what personal cyber insurance protects and what it doesn’t, our team can walk you through your options.
Contact Mason-McBride to discuss coverage or request a proposal.
Many thanks to The Cincinnati Insurance Companies for the scenario information.
For helpful tips on other popular topics, check out:
- Home and Auto Insurance Inflation
- Understanding Your Home Insurance Declaration Page
- Do You Need Flood Insurance in Michigan?
- Insuring Your Home: Replacement Cost vs. Market Value
Disclaimer: The information, examples, and suggestions presented in this material have been developed from sources believed to be reliable. However, this is not legal advice, and The Cincinnati Insurance Companies and Mason-McBride cannot accept responsibility for its applicability to your specific circumstances: no one should act on the basis of this article without first seeking appropriate professional advice, including advice of legal counsel, based on a thorough examination of their individual situation, relevant facts, laws, and regulations. This material is for illustrative purposes and is not intended to constitute a contract.