How To Secure Your Smart Home Automation System
A home automation system can make your life a lot easier, but only if it is secure. If you have an automated home, it is important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family from cybercrime. In this blog post, you will learn how to secure your home automation system and keep your data safe.
Change the Passwords on Your Home Automation/IoT Devices
The first step in securing your home automation system is to change the passwords on all of your devices. Many people use easily guessed passwords, such as "password" or "1234". These are easy for criminals to guess and can leave your home vulnerable to attacks. Use complex passwords that are completely unique.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is a security feature that requires two forms of identification in order to log in. This can include things like a password and a code sent to your phone, or a fingerprint scan and a password. This makes it more difficult for criminals to access your home automation system. They would need to have your phone or your email before they could access it.
Update Your Smart Home Software
It is important to keep your software up-to-date, as updates often include a few security patches. Hackers are always looking for new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in software. More to the point, they specifically look for systems that have not been updated because they know those systems still have those vulnerabilities. Turn on "automatic updates" if possible.
Secure Your WiFi Network
It is important to secure your home WiFi network with a password and encrypt it utilizing the latest standards. Most smart devices are going to run on your WiFi network. Make sure you install a firewall and create a "zero-trust" network. A zero-trust network denies connections by default, rather than trusting connections by default.
Use Home Automation Systems You Can Trust
Not all home automation systems are created equal. Some companies are more security-conscious than others, and it is important to do your research before choosing a system. If you are not sure which system to choose, consult with an expert who can help you find the right one for your needs. Don't just purchase a "no-name" brand on an online forum; many of these actually have backdoors and security issues built into them.
By following these tips, you can keep your home automation system as safe and secure as possible. But be aware that "low risk" isn't "no risk." You should still keep an eye out for any suspicious activity, such as your internet loading slowly, or seeing ads on sites where there shouldn't be ads. These could be a tell-tale sign that your network has been hijacked. Contact a home automation service near you to learn more.
