Fortunately, you don't need to be a computer geek to understand and implement security measures that will safeguard your home from potential cyber-attacks
Smart homes are the new buzzword in the real estate market. According to Statista, the global smart home market is expected to reach $53.45 billion by 2022 from just 24.1 billion in 2016. Soon, almost every aspect of your home, whether it is your refrigerator or the coffee machine, will be connected to the Internet. In fact, most home appliances such as TVs and music systems are already online.
While the internet of things is making your lives easier and comfortable, it also opens potential pathways that hackers can use to gain unlawful access to your home. In other words, without proper security measures, these smart devices can do more harm than good. Fortunately, you don't need to be a computer geek to understand and implement security measures that will safeguard your home from potential cyber-attacks.
The following 7 tips will help keep hackers away from your smart home.
1. Never Use Default Device Settings
Every tech savvy person knows that all internet-enabled devices have default settings for username, passwords, and even a device ID (or an IP address). As these default settings are much easier to crack, they are a potential vulnerability to your smart home network. You need to change them immediately. You can and should also change the device ID. The ID usually consists of device details such as the name of the manufacturer, type of device, and technical information.
2. Create Strong Passwords
Passwords are going to be the first line of defense against cybercriminals. That's why replacing the default usernames and passwords with weak ones aren’t going to make much difference. You need to create strong passwords.
Most password cracking tools are capable of processing large quantities of letter and number combinations to find a match for the password. So, avoid using regular words and regular combinations of alphabets and symbols. Instead, you must use a varied number of alphabets, symbols, numbers, and capitalizations while creating passwords.
The longer a password, the more difficult it is to crack. So, you must use long and complex passwords or passphrases. For example, using a mnemonic phrase such as this “sitting duck went flying over the dog” to create a password “sdw#fotd*” is much safer than using your nickname and first three digits of your cell number as a password. You can increase the complexity depending on your memory and the default device. However, avoid using same passwords and usernames for two or more devices.
3. Use Multifactor Authentication
Multifactor authentication offers an additional layer of security beyond passwords. The system usually comprises sending a One-Time Password (OTP) via text or voice call to a registered mobile number while logging into your smart home system. Sometimes, the system may offer biometric authentication such as thumbprint scanning or facial recognition as well.
As a result, the hackers cannot access to your smart home system even if they have managed to steal your username and password. The biometric authentication can be slightly expensive compared to OTP authentication. However, it is well worth the expense if you have already invested thousands in a state-of-the-art smart home system.
4. Use Different Home Networks for Your Appliances and Main Computer
Using two different Wi-Fi networks or internet connections can also provide an additional layer of security. Use one of the internet connections to link your appliance only, while keeping the use of other restricted to your primary devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. Security access control system manufacturing companies such as Lintech always recommend using only the primary devices for online banking, shopping, and general online activity.
You can either purchase two internet connections or use a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN). The VLAN allows several networks to work as one LAN virtually. Thus, your primary computer hub remains unaffected even if hackers get illegal access to one of your smart devices. If your router can handle multiple SSIDs, setting up two different Wi-Fi networks is relatively easy.
5. Install Security Updates Regularly
Not keeping your devices updated also increases the security risk significantly. We are not talking about just your computers, tablets, and smartphones, but every smart device on the home network. Most devices may come with automated update option, make sure it is turned on.
If a device doesn't update automatically, you should check the relevant app on your phone regularly (every 3-4 weeks should be fine) to install the latest security updates. You should also review the manufacturer's update policy. You can also sign up for update email notifications if the service is available. Remember, you will need to install security updates regardless of the firewall or antivirus you use.
6. Use a Unified Threat Management (UTM) Appliance
If you have an extensive array of devices on your smart home network, you should think of using a unified threat management (UTM) appliance. Compared to a standard firewall, it offers a much more powerful layer of security, especially if you have an extensive home network. However, it is available as a hardware device that needs to be connected to your network.
Usually, it provides firewall, intrusion detection, antimalware, spam filtering, and VPN services as a one integrated unit. Apart from the enhanced security, reduced complexity is also an added advantage of a UTM. You will be able to control all the devices with just one click and from one console.
7. Avoid Using Unknown Devices
It may seem obvious, but you should avoid connecting unknown devices such as a flash drive or an external hard drive to your smart home network. According to a recent study, nearly 45% to 98% people tend to pick up an unknown USB stick they come across and connect it to their computer or laptop. However, you should never connect an unidentified device to your computer as hackers may use it to access your network.
You should also disable guest network access completely. Make sure only your family members have access to the Wi-Fi or VLAN. Never disclose your Wi-Fi password to friends or guests unless absolutely necessary. Likewise, avoid connecting any one of your devices to a public network. Hackers can install malicious software on your device through a public network.
Conclusion
Smart homes have taken the housing industry by storm in the recent years. Tech companies from all over the globe continue to introduce high-end IoT enabled appliances and devices to the market. But, the rapid influx of these devices has increased the security concerns as well. Hopefully, these 7 tips will help keep the cybercriminals away from your smart home. What about you? Share your experiences with us in the comments section below.
---------------------------
About the author:
Ann Neal (Twitter: @Ann_G_Neal) is a writer who covers technology and business