With smart homes becoming more and more mainstream, we must take into consideration things like cyber attacks, which are a 100% real threat. We have lights that respond to your voice, cameras that you can check using your phone, and locks that need only your fingerprint to unlock. It is all fine and dandy until it is not.
When a home is so connected to Wi-Fi, it is also potentially at risk of being exposed. Hackers look for one weak point within your system and enter to wreak havoc. With so many smart home devices present in our houses, it can be any one of them.
But don’t panic. You don’t need a tech degree to stay safe. A few simple steps can go a long way.
This sounds basic, and it is, but it also happens to be the thing most people get wrong. Still using your pet’s name or “password123” as a password is inviting a hacker. Every smart home device you own needs a password that’s hard to guess. Also, remember to use different passwords for different devices.
We know, we know, you’re probably sick of devices asking you to turn on two-factor authentication, or 2FA, but it does work. It is one of the simplest ways of blocking unauthorised access to your account.
Basically, if someone is able to get your password and they type it in, they won’t be logged in directly. Instead, a code will be sent to your phone number or email, which needs to be inserted in order to log in.
Many smart home apps offer this now. If yours doesn’t, that’s a red flag. It’s worth considering alternatives that take your security more seriously.
Ever got an email that states something like “we have access to your security cameras” and demands thousands of dollars? We’ll you’re not the only one. It is a scam.
Phishing scams are one of the easiest ways for hackers to trick people into giving up credentials. They look legit, and sometimes even the email address looks close to the real thing. But once you click, you could be handing over access to your entire smart home setup.
Check the sender’s address carefully. Don’t click on unfamiliar links. And when in doubt, go straight to the company’s official site or app.
Every software update is there for a reason. Sometimes it’s new features, but often it’s to fix security holes. If you keep delaying updates, you’re leaving the door open.
Update your smart home devices as soon as patches are available. The same goes for the apps that control them. Most brands allow you to set updates to install automatically. It’s a small switch that could make a big difference.
Your home Wi-Fi is the main gate. So why give every gadget access to your primary network?
Set up a guest network just for your smart home gear. This creates a separate environment. If someone breaks into your smart speaker, they won’t be able to jump over to your laptop or smartphone. It limits damage and buys you time to react.
Not everybody is a tech-savvy person, and that is okay. Even those that are, dealing with routers, firewalls and network settings can get a bit much. If things start to feel overwhelming, it is best to reach out to tech support services. They can help set up your system, close weak spots, and explain what you need to know.
Argubly, one of the best risk is the one regarding data. Your devices? They collect your data. From your habits to your voice recordings. This information is valuable for companies for ads but also for cybercriminals.
Focus on online data protection by checking each app’s privacy settings. Disable features you don’t use. Turn off remote access unless absolutely needed. And review what data is being stored, shared, or sold.
You don’t need to be a tech expert to secure your smart home. Just a few changes, like the one we stated in this blog post. Smart home should make life simpler, not more stressful. Keep your defences strong, stay alert, and treat your privacy like the valuable thing it is.
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