What is multi-factor authentication (MFA)?

Multi-factor authentication adds a second verification step when logging in, typically a code sent to your phone or generated by an app. Research shows MFA blocks 99.9% of automated account attacks.

Do I need a password manager?

Yes. With the average person managing over 100 accounts, unique passwords are impossible to remember. CISA and NIST explicitly recommend password managers as essential tools for home cybersecurity.

Is Windows Defender enough for antivirus protection?

For most home users practicing safe online habits, Windows Defender provides excellent protection, consistently scoring 6/6 in independent testing. Additional paid antivirus may benefit users with higher risk profiles.

Should I freeze my credit?

Yes. The Federal Trade Commission calls credit freezes the best protection against identity thieves opening new accounts in your name. Credit freezes are free at all three major bureaus since 2018.

How much does home network security cost?

HardEdge Security offers a free 30-minute consultation, security assessments for $150, and full network security installations ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on home size and complexity. Many security improvements like enabling MFA and freezing credit are completely free to do yourself.

Do I need a VPN for my home network?

For most home users, a VPN provides limited security benefit since most web traffic is already encrypted with HTTPS. VPNs are most useful on public WiFi networks. A properly configured router with a hardware firewall provides more comprehensive home network protection.

How do I secure my smart home devices?

Key steps include: change default passwords on all devices, enable two-factor authentication on device accounts, put IoT devices on a separate guest network, keep firmware updated, and only buy devices from reputable manufacturers who provide security updates.

Home Cybersecurity Services

HardEdge Security provides professional implementation of cybersecurity solutions for homes and home-based businesses. We focus on proven, enterprise-grade tools configured for residential use—giving you professional protection without enterprise complexity or cost.

For clients in the St. Louis metropolitan area, services may include on-site installation and configuration. For clients outside the region, we provide detailed implementation plans, remote configuration assistance, and step-by-step guidance you can follow or hand to a local technician.

Home Network Security & Firewall Installation

Your home network is the foundation of your digital security. A properly configured hardware firewall gives you visibility into every device on your network, blocks threats at the perimeter, and segments sensitive devices from everyday use.

What we implement:

Hardware firewall installation and configuration
Network segmentation (separate work devices, kids' devices, IoT/smart home, and guest access)
Intrusion detection and prevention
Ad and tracker blocking at the network level
Geo-blocking to prevent connections from high-risk countries
VPN server setup for secure remote access to your home network
Real-time monitoring and alerting

Ideal for:

Families with many smart home devices

Remote workers handling sensitive data

Home-based businesses needing network separation

Privacy-conscious households wanting visibility into network traffic

Multi-Factor Authentication Setup

Passwords alone aren't enough. We help you implement strong multi-factor authentication across your critical accounts using the most secure methods available.

What we implement:

Hardware security key setup and configuration
Authenticator app deployment across devices
Phishing-resistant authentication (FIDO2/WebAuthn)
Backup and recovery planning
Account-by-account MFA enrollment for critical services

Protection levels:

Hardware security keys

Physical keys providing phishing-resistant authentication

Authenticator apps

Time-based codes generated on your device

Push notifications

Approve logins from your phone

SMS codes

Better than nothing, but vulnerable to SIM-swapping

We help you implement the strongest authentication your accounts support, with proper backup methods so security doesn't become a lockout risk.

Secure Email Configuration

Email remains the primary attack vector for phishing, impersonation, and account compromise. We configure your email domains and accounts with industry-standard authentication protocols.

What we implement:

SPF (Sender Policy Framework) – Specifies which servers can send email for your domain
DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) – Cryptographically signs emails to prove authenticity
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication) – Instructs servers how to handle failed authentication
Secure email provider migration – If desired
Encrypted email setup – For sensitive communications
Email alias and forwarding strategies – For privacy

Why this matters:

Without proper email authentication, attackers can send emails appearing to come from your domain. This is how business email compromise scams—responsible for billions in losses annually—succeed.

Ideal for:

Home-based businesses with custom domains
Professionals whose reputation depends on email trust
Anyone wanting to ensure emails reach recipients

DNS Security & Content Filtering

DNS is how devices find websites. By securing your DNS, we block malware, phishing, and unwanted content before they reach your devices.

What we implement:

Encrypted DNS configuration (DNS over HTTPS / DNS over TLS)
Malware and phishing domain blocking
Content filtering for families (age-appropriate internet access)
Ad and tracker blocking at the DNS level
Custom block/allow lists
Policies that follow devices when they leave home

Benefits:

Protection applies to ALL devices—no software needed on each device
Blocks threats before they load
Detailed logs show exactly what your network accesses
Parental controls that can't be bypassed by switching browsers

This service can be standalone or combined with hardware firewall installation.

Website & Application Security

For home-based businesses running websites or self-hosted services, we implement protection against common web attacks.

What we implement:

Web Application Firewall (WAF) configuration
DDoS protection
Bot management and challenge pages
SSL/TLS certificate management
Rate limiting and abuse prevention
Secure access for self-hosted applications

Ideal for:

Home-based businesses with customer-facing websites
Self-hosters running applications on home servers
Anyone exposing services to the internet

Secure Remote Access

Access your home network, business tools, and self-hosted services securely from anywhere—without traditional VPN complexity or opening firewall ports.

What we implement:

Zero-trust remote access to home resources
Secure tunnels without opening inbound firewall ports
Application-specific access (users only see what they need)
Identity verification for every access attempt
Audit logging

Use cases:

Access home server, NAS, or media library from anywhere
Remote access to home-based business tools
Let contractors access specific resources without full network access
Securely expose self-hosted applications

This approach is more secure than traditional VPNs—it verifies identity continuously and provides access only to specific applications, not your entire network.

Mobile Device Security

Smartphones and tablets are often the most vulnerable devices in your household—yet they contain your most sensitive information: banking apps, email, photos, authenticator codes, and direct access to your accounts.

Device Hardening

Security audit of current device settings
Lock screen and biometric configuration
Automatic update verification
App permission review and cleanup
Find My Device / remote wipe setup
SIM PIN configuration (prevents SIM-swapping)
Encrypted backup configuration

Mobile DNS Protection

Configure devices to use secure DNS filtering even away from home
Block malware, phishing, and unwanted content on cellular and public WiFi
Parental content filtering that follows kids' devices everywhere
Ad and tracker blocking

Privacy Configuration

Location and tracking settings optimization
Privacy-focused browser and search setup
Secure messaging app installation
Camera and microphone permission audit

Family Mobile Management

Parental controls setup
App installation restrictions for children's devices
Content filtering by age appropriateness
Screen time limits and downtime scheduling
Purchase and download approval workflows

Ideal for:

Families with children who have phones or tablets
Anyone whose phone is their primary banking device
Privacy-conscious users minimizing tracking
Business users with sensitive data on personal devices

Transparent Pricing

No surprises. No hidden fees. Here's exactly what our services cost.

Start Here

Free

30-Minute Consultation

Discuss your security concerns
Review your current setup
Get initial recommendations
No obligation

Schedule Call

Additional Services

Remote Consultation

Guidance and troubleshooting via video call

$150/hr

Password Manager Setup

Full family migration to 1Password/Bitwarden

$200

MFA Enrollment

Setup MFA on all critical accounts

$150

Backup Configuration

3-2-1 backup strategy implementation

$200

Greater St. Louis Area: On-site installation available

Outside the region? We provide detailed implementation plans and remote configuration assistance.

Ready to Discuss Your Security Needs?

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