Smart Home, Smarter You

What Is a Smart Home?

Many homeowners use online electronic devices to control their homes. For example, you might use security cameras connected to your mobile device to check your home when you travel or a thermostat connected to Wi-Fi to control your home’s temperature. A residence with these devices is called a smart home. While having a smart home is convenient, cybercriminals can use these devices to steal your data.

Smart Home Security Risks 

Many people are vigilant about keeping their computers and mobile devices secure but neglect smart home safety. Smart home devices frequently have weak default passwords, and you might forget to change them. Hackers can easily guess weak passwords and access the devices’ data. You may also forget to update your devices’ security patches, making you vulnerable to cyberattacks. Additionally, smart home devices often use mobile apps to allow you to access them. These apps can also be a security risk if they are not updated regularly.

Secure Your Home Networks

Devices connected to home networks can be targets for attacks if the networks are not encrypted. If your network is not secure, your data is at risk of being stolen, as cybercriminals can view and access it more easily. While smart home devices make life easier, you should always be aware of possible security vulnerabilities. Good security practices help keep you and your family safe! 

Remember these tips when using smart home devices: 

• Ensure you use a separate, encrypted network for your smart home devices. Also, keep your devices and mobile apps updated with the latest security patches. 
• Use strong passwords that someone can’t easily guess on all your devices. You can use a password manager to keep track of your passwords. 

Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your smart home devices and apps. MFA requires you to enter your password and a separate code or key to access your device, making it more secure