How to Make Your Home Smarter and More Secure

Smart technology and gadgets continue to transform and change how we live and aid us in achieving better lifestyles. With that said, one of the best things you can do to enhance the quality of your life significantly is by making your home a smart one.

However, take note that smart homes aren’t automatically safe homes. Well, of course, with smart devices, you can see who’s at your door even if you’re not home, and you have got a guard on call at all times. Even so, you are not always the only one monitoring.

Bluetooth-enabled devices such as door locks can be hacked, smart televisions can change the content you don’t want to see, and whatnot. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to secure these devices and make your home smarter. 

The Smart Home And Its Weaknesses

A smart home uses the best innovations like advanced security systems and lighting elements to bring convenience and comfort to your living experience. And as the technological advances are widely used and smart homes become more popular, no doubt, owning a smart home or having a few smart devices has its advantages.

Take an Alarm Grid security, for example. This system allows the user to customize the security system in many ways without paying for a monitoring plan or an expensive contract.

Still, a lot of factors make people think twice about buying a smart home. The following are some of the smart devices and their vulnerabilities.

• Smart Lights can be hacked from one hundred meters away via radio signals. Also, it can have their brightness and color changed.
• Smart Security Cameras can be hacked if criminals can get the serial numbers through a trial-and-error method.
• Smart Speakers can collect private conversations in the background even when turned off.
• Smart Locks can be hacked through Bluetooth capabilities.
• Smart Thermostats can be hacked through the source code of the login page.

Securing Your Smart Devices

Keep in mind that each smart gadget presents a possible access point for hackers. With the wrong application, these devices that protect your home could, believe it or not, make it more vulnerable.

The following are the steps you must take to avoid such a problem:

Set Up A Firewall

Your first gateway is stopping whatever’s coming in from your internet service provider and network. Set up an advanced firewall that can work with your Virtual Private Network, encrypting all data that goes through the home network.

It’s the only plausible way to encrypt data from most IoT devices. After setting up a firewall, the next thing you should do entails wires. Take note that wireless gadgets, such as security cameras, are susceptible to attacks.

For this reason, if you want to have the most secure way to look after your home, then search for a wired model.

Reroute

The gateway to all your smart gadgets is your router. So, if you have not reset your router after authorities warn you about malware, then you should. Once you reset it, be sure to rename it so that its model and brand aren’t directly recognizable.

Also, create a new password and a guest network for the people who visit your home. In this way, they won’t have and keep access to your main one.

Two-factor Authentication

2FA or two-factor authentication may not be the perfect way to safeguard yourself; it is typically the first and best approach you can take. Get the manuals and search for the feature for all the smart gadgets you have, as well as wearables. Then, disable Wifi Protected Setup so that hackers will have a difficult time gaining access to your router.

Don’t Give Your Password To Anyone

IoT gadgets typically arrive with a default password and username. Make sure to change these on all your smart devices so that hackers won’t have an easy way to gain control over them.

Amend Any Defaults

For all IoT devices, go into the settings and review the defaults. Disable any that share more data that you would like or are unnecessary.

Updates

Check any updates on all your smart gadgets to ensure that any known issues are resolved. Even if you have not received notifications about software updates, go to the website and social media of the manufacturer to see if any have been announced.

Smart homes are the embodiment of convenience. Think of a song you’d like to hear, just say the title out loud, and listen to it right away. Or unlock your door by waving your phone near your front door. However, keep in mind that the more Iot devices you own, the more susceptible your security can be, particularly if you don’t know how to navigate their privacy settings. 

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to make your home more secure.

Author’s Bio: Tyler Pack is a writer and a blogger. He loves to write about technology, business, real estate, and home security. In his free time, Tyler spends time with his wife and kids.

Image by Pixaline & Gerd Altmann  from Pixabay