Cybersecurity perils loom large in the age of smart homes
In the age of smart homes and automation, the convenience of controlling your home with a tap or a voice command comes with a potential risk: hacking. Here's a guide to help you fortify your home network and devices against cyber threats.
Firstly, anti-virus software on your PC can act as a shield, preventing hackers from accessing your personal data when your Wi-Fi network is compromised. But the battle doesn't end there. If a smart device becomes infected with malware, hackers might gain access to sensitive information like voice search history or banking data.
To bolster your defences, change the default SSID of your Wi-Fi network to an obscure name, making it harder for potential intruders to identify your network. Using a strong password, consisting of more than eight characters, upper and lower-case letters, special characters, and numbers, increases password strength. Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on all devices and associated accounts can provide an extra layer of security.
Securing your home Wi-Fi network is crucial. Ensure you change default router credentials, enable the firewall and Wi-Fi encryption (like WPA2), and frequently update the router’s firmware. Creating a separate guest network specifically for IoT devices can isolate them from your main network, reducing the risk if one device is compromised.
Regularly updating the firmware of all smart devices is also essential to patch known vulnerabilities and disable unnecessary features like remote access that could be exploited. A virtual private network (VPN) can offer added privacy and hide network activity.
When purchasing new smart technology, research the manufacturer and their security protocols to protect your network. Registering smart devices with manufacturers can ensure they receive the latest firmware updates and security patches. Keeping an eye out for the latest updates and manually clicking the 'update' button on the app is necessary to maintain security.
Choosing smart home brands with a strong track record of data security is also advisable. Recent or recurrent breaches can signal weak security measures. For instance, a serious hack can result in incidents like the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017, where hackers locked users' files and demanded ransom.
Lastly, consider professional security solutions like those offered by RACV Home Security Systems. They provide tailored security solutions, professional installation by licensed installers, and maintenance and servicing across a wide range of security systems.
In summary, protecting smart home devices involves securing your Wi-Fi network, maintaining strong, unique credentials with 2FA, isolating IoT devices on guest networks, keeping software updated, and selecting secure device brands. By following these steps, you can ensure your smart home remains a haven of convenience, not a playground for hackers.
- While adopting a lifestyle oriented towards smart homes and technology, it's equally important to consider cybersecurity measures, as unfortunate incidents like the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 underscore.
- As you explore and invest in home-and-garden smart technology, research their respective security protocols; ensuring they have a strong record of data security can help you maintain a secure home network and reduce the risk of hacking.
