As smart home popularity and curiosity keeps growing, questions around the security and privacy of connected devices are more prevalent. While smart devices can make daily tasks easier, connecting everyday devices to the internet means there’s a potential for unwanted cyber intrusion. There are many benefits of turning your home into a smart home but we must admit one of the biggest concerns people have with smart homes is worrying whether or not it is safe. Smart home systems are equipped with many devices that are all connected to the internet which allows people to remotely control and manage appliances. The technical abilities are constantly improving. But there can always be a threat from hackers. The reality is smart homes are extremely safe compared to a regular home. We will provide you with tips and trick to assure you that hackers will not be a threat to your smart home.
Use Protected Appliances Only
As you look for smart home appliances, check to see that they have security features in the first place. Most major brands shouldn’t pose a problem on this front, but it pays to see if there are reviews from reputable publications if you come across an unfamiliar brand. While you may be tempted to go for the cheapest devices you will be at a greater risk of cyber threats because of the lack of proper protocols if you do. Make sure your appliances meet the standards of Z-wave, ZigBee, or Security 2 qualifications. Z-wave and Zigbee are two of the most popular and reputable wireless standards by which gadgets and devices in your smart home can communicate with each other. Instead of using Bluetooth or WiFi, the different devices in your smart home are connected via these wireless channels.
Only Access Your Smart Home Network From Your Private WiFi
Why isn’t one WiFi network enough? The answer is simple: security and privacy. These days, smart devices are gateways into our personal lives. While they are amazing and aid us in our everyday lives, it’s no secret that they can also leave us vulnerable. To combat the vulnerabilities, we take action. In this case by setting up separate WiFi networks for our smart devices. You need to connect your smart home devices to a network in order for it to work. Public WIFI networks have poor security protocols which give hackers the opportunity to find their way into your home network. You can protect yourself by setting up a separate network for all of your connected devices and another for all of your other devices.
Keep Your Phones Secure
Our phones act as a universal remote in our lives and our home automation needs. It seems our smartphones are our connection to everything and our smart home devices are no exception. Don’t lock your smart home behind a cheap luggage lock when it needs a deadbolt. The best thing you can do is to set up a secure password using a password manager. With a password manager, you don’t have to remember dozens of passwords or hit the “Forgot your password?” link each time you log in. Make sure that your phone automatically locks when you are not using it. Avoid public wi-fi for remote access. Public Wi-Fi networks are not secure because a hacker can monitor unencrypted traffic and send out malware. All online activity is vulnerable, including when you control smart home devices. Some smart home apps collect data about how you use them. Look into what it’s gathering and deny app permissions if you don’t use specific features like location data and Bluetooth connectivity.
Strong WI-FI Password
Passwords should be a minimum of eight characters, the more random the better. Aim for a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, but avoid common phrases, names, or places. typically smart home appliances or devices need to be connected to a network through a WI-FI hub or router. Protecting your WI-FI network is crucial to protecting your devices and your privacy. To truly protect your network you want to keep your password to at least 12 characters instead of 8, make it something obscure.
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About AVtech, Ltd
AVtech Ltd is a residential and light commercial electronics systems contractor that delivers technology and audio/visual solutions to customers in Greater Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio.
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