Technology is at the center of everything in today’s world, making our everyday tasks more accessible and efficient. While a smart home can make daily tasks more straightforward, is it the best option for your home security? Today we will be addressing the potential security risks of the smart home, how an intelligent home functions, and a few tips on home security.
What is a Smart Home?
A smart home is equipped with devices that can be remotely controlled, ranging in various sizes and uses. These devices include lighting, security cameras, automated locks, and even fridges. The goal of a smart home is to make everyday life easier with just a few clicks from your smartphone.
While this can be efficient, it can also pose a potential security risk as many smart home marketed products do not address privacy concerns and lack security when it comes to external sources accessing them. These devices can gather and store data making them ideal targets for criminals to steal as that data details the homeowners’ routines and other private information.
Security Risks
Let’s start with potential security risks such as your smart devices becoming hacked. It’s essential to ensure all the devices linked to your home have a secure connection. One example of these devices would be a baby monitor; burglars could access it to view whichever room the monitor is placed in if it lacked a secure connection.
Homeowners should be mindful and do thorough research on any smart product they intend to bring into the home. This entails reviewing safety measures for hacks and researching any privacy concerns around the product. If a product is pushed to market quickly, companies may not have taken the time to be thorough regarding their customers’ sensitive information.
For instance, your home’s network is just the tip of the iceberg of sensitive information that should remain private and secure. A single smart device has the potential to expose your data to hackers and criminals alike. Having your devices controlled through just a smartphone increases the risk and vulnerability your home faces. Your cellphone could be stolen or hacked, granting criminals complete access to not only your home but to any sensitive information stored on your smartphone.
Safety Tips
Now that we’ve learned more about how smart homes work and reviewed some safety concerns, here are a few tips to keep in mind when considering upgrading your home.
Do Your Research
While smart homes are innovative and exciting, it is essential to conduct your due diligence to protect your information. Be mindful of reviews left by customers, as you could run into similar issues. Be especially cognizant of reviews that discuss privacy issues or odd discrepancies regarding the product.
Choose Reliable Companies
The more affordable option may be enticing at first glance, but consider that company’s reputation. Choose a brand that offers tech support and excellent customer service in case you run into any problems with the new device.
Update Passwords
Many of us are guilty of using the same generic password on our devices. Take the time to change passwords to ensure that the rest of your accounts will not follow if one device fails. Use strong passwords that would be difficult for others to guess. Avoid using your name and birthday, as these can easily be found online.
Update Security Features
The majority of routers come with security built in, but you can always take the extra step to install more complex security. This should apply to computers as well to avoid hackers from gaining access to your information.
Disconnect Certain Devices
Just because a product is marketed as a smart device does not mean it always needs to be connected. The less connections there are the less potential areas hackers can reach you. The fridge does not necessarily need to be connected to a cloud.
With all this in mind, smart homes can be greatly beneficial. However, it is critical that homeowners do their research and are watchful of their data to ensure a smart home is not a security risk for their family.