One of the biggest concerns people have when considering a smart home is the danger of dealing with hackers. To dispel your fear, we will go over some measure you can take to make your house hack-proof.
Before we get to what you can do, though, let’s clear the air about the dangers of hackers.
The Smart Home Hack Threat
The Internet of Things industry is booming. That means that a lot of companies are trying to get in on the action as fast as possible. In this race to create the first product that does something, some companies may neglect security.
That is their fault, and the only thing you can do is be careful what you buy which is why we recommend trusted brands such as Yale (as opposed to third party brands you’ve never heard of).
You don’t have to panic, though. The image of the hoodie-wearing hacker that can take control of your home with two clicks is just a myth. We have movies to blame for that.
Hacking a smart home is not as easy as some would have you believe.
With some basic precautions, you can shut down the plans of most would-be hackers. Here’s what you should do:
Make Sure Your Router Is Secure
The router is the heart of any smart home. It will also be a prime target for hackers because it’s connected to all your devices. It should be the most secure appliance in the house.
The first step is to choose a quality device. When shopping for one, learn about its security measures. Choose one that has a good record and the newest encryption software. If it has these features, it will most likely have great speed and reach as well.
After you buy and set it up, change its password immediately. The default password is almost as bad as having no password. Make sure you use a strong one and change it from time to time.
Since we’re on the topic of passwords, do this for every device you get. Every wireless product needs a secure password so it doesn’t become a target.
Don’t use the same thing for multiple devices. If a hacker manages to get the password for one device, they will try it on everything else.
Always Update Your Devices
Every software update offers new features and more importantly, better security. By using an older version of the software, you put your smart home at risk.
Most devices should update themselves automatically, without any input from you.
Don’t take that for granted, though. Checking for updates takes only a few minutes and ensures your security. It’s always best to be proactive against hackers.
This safety measure is short and simple, but it makes a huge difference.
Store Your Information on the Cloud
You may be concerned that the data on one of your devices will fall into the wrong hands. In that case, you have the option to store all your information somewhere else, namely the cloud.
The advantage here is that a cloud service provider will have superior security. That kind of encryption software is very expensive, being a viable option only for companies.
You will have world class security and every file at your fingertips.
Cloud services are also becoming cheaper and cheaper. You can have more space than you’ll need without making a big dent in your budget.
You can rest easy knowing all your personal information is safe.
Other Security Needs
Now that we’ve put the hacker problem behind us, let’s remember that they’re not the only threat. Run-of-the-mill burglars are still dangerous. You need security measures against them as well.
Don’t worry, though. Smart homes have many solutions to that problem. For example, you can get some smart locks, smart cameras and smart alarms.
With that setup, burglars will know not to mess with your house.
Wireless device security is a serious matter and should be treated accordingly. Share this article with your friends so more people know how to protect themselves. Hit us up on Facebook and Twitter for more content.
