In the past few years, the number of smart home devices has increased exponentially. From doorbells to thermostats to light bulbs, it seems like there’s a smart device for everything these days. While the convenience of these devices is undeniable, they also come with a certain amount of risk. Namely, the risk of being hacked.
According to a study by Symantec, nearly 1 in 5 people have already had their smart home device hacked. And that number is only going to increase as more and more devices become connected to the internet. So what can you do to protect your home? Read on to find out.
How to Keep Your Smart Home Safe from Hackers?
Change the Default Password
One of the first things you should do is change the default password for your router. Many people don’t realize this, but most routers come with a factory-set password that is easy for hackers to guess. By changing the password to something that is unique and difficult to guess, you’ll make it much harder for hackers to gain access to your network.
We recommend using a password manager like LastPass or 1Password to generate and store strong, unique passwords for all of your devices and accounts. That way, you don’t have to worry about forgetting them or writing them down somewhere where they can be easily found by someone else.
Keep Your Software Up-to-Date
Another important step in protecting your smart home is keeping all of your software up-to-date. This includes not only the operating system on your computer but also any apps that you use on your mobile device. Hackers are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in software, so it’s important to make sure that you have the latest security patches installed.
You can usually set your devices and apps to update automatically, but it’s a good idea to check for updates manually on a regular basis as well. That way, you can be sure that no critical security updates are missed.
Be Careful What You Share Online
In addition to taking steps to secure your devices and networks, it’s also important to be careful about what you share online. Hackers can often glean a lot of information about you just by looking at your social media accounts or blog posts. So if you’re going to share information about your life online, be sure to think carefully about how much you’re sharing and with whom you’re sharing it.
For example, avoid sharing specific details about upcoming vacation plans or new purchases on social media until after the fact. You should also consider making your social media accounts private so that only people who know you personally can see what you’re sharing.
How do I protect my smart house?
Before we talk about what you can do to stop hackers from getting into your smart home devices, let’s answer a basic question: How can someone hack into a smart home in the first place?
The fact that a smart home can connect to the internet is its weak spot. Any smart home device that can connect to the internet can be hacked, accessed remotely, and in many cases even controlled by people from outside the home, just like any website or computer. The devices themselves may have little or no security built in. This makes them vulnerable to attacks by software that is designed to get unauthorized access to a computer or home network, which could expose your personal information. Or, depending on the device, you may need to set up or enable security features. So, look at the information that came with the devices to make sure they have built-in security and to find out if you need to do anything to turn on the security features. The best way to stop a hack is to first figure out where the device might be weak and then make sure it has the right security built in and is set up correctly to protect your home network and your devices.
Consider the following tips to help protect your smart home technology from being hacked:
Understand smart home vulnerabilities.
First, establish which devices can connect to the internet and if you want to link them. Before buying, installing, or connecting a device to your home network, you must know its security features.
If your smart speaker is connected to your Wi-Fi network, which is also connected to your smart TV, video doorbell, and smart thermostat, each gadget can pass on vulnerabilities. If one thing gets hacked, others may be too. You must protect every smart device in your ecosystem.
Use trusted smart home brands.
Many of us are tempted to get the cheapest smart home technology. Choosing based on price alone can be risky. Brand names may take extra security procedures to preserve their reputation. Brands may be hacked. No assurances exist, so investigate your alternatives.
Consider whether your smart gadget has regular software and security upgrades, and read the privacy policy to see how personal data may be used. Read customer reviews and visit consumer websites.
Secure Wi-Fi.
Create a strong, unique password for your Wi-Fi network while setting up your router or if you haven’t altered default settings. The default router or service provider password may be a security risk. Choose a unique password for your network that’s not used elsewhere. Use WPA2 encryption (in your router’s settings) and any applicable firewall.
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your Wi-Fi router for further details. Visit the manufacturer’s website for help accessing router settings. Your provider’s website may be helpful.
Work with your service provider or router manufacturer to improve your router’s security.
Password-protect everything.
A network password may not protect your gadgets. Each device should have a unique password. Change these passwords once a year.
Consider multi-factor ID. This needs entering a code received via SMS, email, or mobile app. Consider adopting a safe, easy-to-use, and renowned password manager to manage all your login information. A password manager keeps website login credentials in an encrypted digital vault. It generates secure passwords to help you avoid repeating them across devices and services.2
Protect smart home gadgets.
Individual device security doesn’t require unique passwords. Make sure each device’s privacy settings are set to high. Disable remote access unless you require it. Disable Wi-Fi on non-smart devices.
Finally, use smart home technology carefully. Accessing your video doorbell or home security system from a public network (like a coffee shop) puts your home at risk. Never use unprotected or open networks. Before opening these connections, use a personal hotspot or VPN program to safeguard yourself.
FAQs
Can a smart home be hacked?
The world of smart devices is a rapidly growing one, with innovative new technologies constantly emerging to enhance our homes and improve our daily lives. However, these devices often rely on wireless communication in order to function, which can make them vulnerable to hacking. While unsecured Wi-Fi networks are frequently targeted by malicious actors seeking to steal personal data or infiltrate computer systems, these same actors can also exploit home networks in order to gain control of a range of more innocuous smart devices. As such, it is crucial that users protect their home networks and utilize strong encryption protocols in order to keep their sensitive information safe and avoid the possibility of having their smart homes compromised by cybercriminals.
How often are smart homes hacked?
According to the findings of a recent study conducted by the consumer advocacy organization Which? in the United Kingdom, a smart home might be the target of more than ten thousand hacking attempts every single week. Which?, in conjunction with the NCC Group and the Global Cyber Alliance (GCA), has released a new report.
What happens if your home Wi-Fi is hacked?
Hackers can get into your home Wi-Fi network and cause you a lot of trouble by using a method called DNS (Domain Name Server) hijacking. They can send your traffic to a website they run, which could trick you into giving a criminal your credit card number or Facebook login information.
Is there a home security system that Cannot be hacked?
When it comes to home security systems, the safest option by far is to go with a system that incorporates ADT Pulse cameras. These cutting-edge systems are designed with robust built-in resistance to hacking, making them nearly impervious to attempts at unauthorized access and tampering. With features like connected video monitoring and remote control via mobile app, Pulse systems offer unparalleled protection for your home and family.
What home devices can be hacked?
If a hacker is able to penetrate your network, they will effectively have access to all of the connected devices located throughout your home. In addition to your router, other very hackable smart home gadgets include smart door locks, home hubs, and security cameras. You need to keep a close eye on all of these smart home equipment.
Conclusion
With the increasing popularity of smart home devices, it’s more important than ever to take steps to protect your home from hackers. By following the tips above, you can help keep your home safe from those who would exploit vulnerabilities for their own gain. However, even if you take all of the necessary precautions, there’s always a chance that your home could still be hacked. So it’s important to stay vigilant and keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. If you think that your home has been hacked, be sure to contact a professional right away so they can help fix the problem and secure your devices against future attacks.