If you’re a new homeowner and have a keen interest in smart home technology, this is the perfect read for you!
While you’re navigating a wide range of smart home appliances, you’re bound to feel a little overwhelmed, because there’s just so much variety out there. If you were to put aside your confusion, smart home devices are indeed impressive.
In fact, these devices used to be expensive when they were first introduced. However, with time, they became really popular, which prompted manufacturers to start introducing them at more affordable prices.
That said, there is one thing you should keep in mind – smart devices run with the help of the internet, such as Mediacom internet. So, what does this mean? Well, anything that uses the internet is vulnerable to hacking, especially without any security measures.
We don’t intend to scare you away from building a smart home, but it’s always good to know how you can make it more secure. That is exactly what we’ll be sharing in this article. Keep reading to learn more.
Stay Safe the Smart Way
Let’s face it. Smart home privacy concerns do exist, but that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice your convenience and ease for the safety factor. Here are some things you can do to ensure your home is more secure:
Carefully Read the Product Review before Buying Anything
If you didn’t know, many people have complained that their smart home kitchen appliances keep showing DNS errors while in use, such as smart dishwashers. If that is so, then you should avoid purchasing that particular smart home device’s brand or model.
It’s always helpful to look up the manufacturer’s history as well. Smart home devices belong to an emerging market, and there are one too many untested, new appliances being introduced every other month.
That is why you should not give in to the product’s slick marketing, and purchase it without having much information on it. Always read both user and professional reviews of the product you plan on buying. This should act like a buying guide for you.
Review The Product’s Privacy and Security Settings
As a matter of fact, you have the choice of limiting how much data a smart device can collect, keep, and transmit further. You might also be able to refrain from sharing all or some of your data with any third-party advertisers.
Look through the privacy and security settings of the particular smart device you want to purchase to find out what’s available. You shouldn’t only review the options for newer devices, but also for the current ones you’re using.
Change All Default Passwords
Most, if not all smart home devices come with a rather simple default password that is easy to guess. Why? Well, these passwords are always created with the idea that the user will eventually change the password after purchasing the device.
However, there’s no surprise in the fact that so many people are simply too lazy or just forget to change their passwords. But, you should always change the password. Moreover, the new password should be strong, long, and difficult to guess. You can also store the password in a password managing tool.
Check Your Wi-Fi Router’s Security Settings
We have established that most smart home devices need a Wi-Fi connection to work, and this is where your router comes into play. This often leaves the data on your smart home devices open for hackers to gain access through your router.
Therefore, you must beef up the security of your router by changing its login details. You should create one that is compact, long, and unique. Avoid using any of your personal information in the password.
Avoid Exchanging Your Wi-Fi Information
It’s common for people to share their Wi-Fi details with friends and even neighbors at times. This only makes your smart home devices more vulnerable to hacking, because if someone has your Wi-Fi details, and manages to break into your router, all devices connected to it are at risk.
That is why you can choose when you want to share your Wi-Fi details and also remove super once they’re done with using your Wi-Fi. It’s always good to stay safe because you don’t want your personal information leaking out.
All in All
Smart home technology is the one trend that has been on the rise in the last couple of years. There’s no doubt that these devices make your life more convenient, but they also pose a threat to your security if you don’t manage to avoid the thing we shared above.
From smart locks, and smart doorbells to smart cameras, all your smart home devices can be hacked if you don’t manage to secure your Wi-Fi and the device itself. We hope this article is helpful and you use these tips for your smart home device.