From Google assistants to lights, cameras, door locks, and thermostats, smart home technology is based around devices connected to the Internet of Things that can be remotely monitored from anywhere.
According to Statista, by the end of 2019, there will be about 42 million smart homes in the U.S. alone; and while they offer convenience, smart devices also welcome digital thieves and hackers into your home.
Here’s some useful ways how you can secure your smart devices that will go a long way toward protecting you and your home.
Use passwords
First, if you are able to protect any of your smart devices with a password, it is best to do so. Remember, keep your passwords hard to guess and don’t reuse a password that you already use somewhere else.
Start with the router
The router serves as the main connection between your smart devices and the outside world, so hackers can exploit it to gain access to your wireless gadgets. It is best to protect your router with and home Wi-Fi with a password.
Don’t rely on the default code that came with the router, instead, choose a new password to reset the router’s security. This will deter malicious hackers from accessing the device. For extra security protection, switch out the code on a regular basis.
Update your devices regularly
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to download and install updates as and when they appear. This patches your devices against the latest security bugs and keeps them as well-protected as possible from outside interference.
First, if you can protect any of your gadgets with a password, then do it. Remember, don’t reuse a password that you already have in place somewhere else.
Use two-factor identification
Another way to further secure your smart home devices is to implement two-factor identification. This prompts you to enter a code (which is sent to you via another device) each time you log into an app. It’s just an added layer of protection to prevent someone from accessing your accounts. Security experts also suggest rebooting your smart-home devices weekly as an added security measure. The reboot will automatically download new security and privacy settings as it reconnects to the internet.
It’s no surprise that smart technology has changed the way we operate our homes and lives. With that said, consumers need to be proactive, rather than reactive, about their smart-home security. By implementing a few of these simple measures, you can protect your privacy and your family from potential harm.
Thierry LeVasseur 