Having a complete and integrated smart home is a technological marvel, but it’s reasonable to be hesitant to connect it to the internet given the possibility of cameras and other detectors and controllers being hacked to spy on us, lasers being used to alter microphones on smart speakers, and entire security systems being exposed by a smart plug.
However, there’s no need to completely disregard the advantages of smart home appliances. The secret is to be aware of the dangers and utilize the security tools that are at your disposal. There are steps you can take to make sure no one tampers with your smart home, regardless of whether you have a whole network of smart kitchen appliances or just a basic voice assistant.
Think about the following tips to help prevent your smart home technology from being hacked:
Select gadgets carefully
Check to determine if the smart home appliances you are considering have security features first. The majority of well-known brands shouldn’t be problematic in this regard, but if you come across a brand you’re not acquainted with, it pays to check for reviews from reliable sources.
Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices are recommended over wireless ones whenever possible since they are more dependable and secure. PoE devices are much more difficult to get into than Wi-Fi connections since a hacker needs to get past your network’s firewall.
Change the default username
Make sure the smartphone app doesn’t provide a default username or account for you when you click through it to configure a device. This is especially true for wireless routers, which not only support smart devices but also ensure the smooth operation of your smart home.
A list of default usernames is one of the first things hackers search for because it eliminates half of their effort. You gain more breathing room and are removed from the list of targets by changing the default username.
Secure your password
Using a password manager to create a secure password is the recommended course of action. You won’t need to remember a ton of different passwords or click the “Forgot your password?” link each time you log in if you use a password manager.
Even with the greatest technology, most password managers create random passwords that are challenging for hackers to guess. You can keep track of when you last updated your password using the password manager. A few password changes every year can help keep hackers at away.
To prevent the password manager from being hacked, be sure to create a master password that is particularly secure. If not, hackers will have access to all of your credentials.
Use two-factor authentication
If a hacker manages to get past your username and password, two-factor authentication acts somewhat like a backup password. Without a unique code, they won’t be able to enter even with the correct login information (usually sent via text message or email). The best feature is that you receive a warning when there is questionable behavior, allowing you to change your password.
Protect your Wi-Fi network
It’s crucial to generate a strong, one-of-a-kind password for your Wi-Fi network while configuring your Wi-Fi router or if you haven’t modified default settings. A vulnerability may exist with the default password, such as the one that is printed on your router or provided to you by your service provider. Select a password that is exclusive to your network and is not used on any of your other devices or accounts. Use WPA2 encryption, which can be found in your router’s settings, and turn on any firewalls that are offered.