Internet of Things gadgets aren’t just for toys for techies. They are actually more accessible by cost and ease of use, and people are finding convenience in creating a “smart home” with connected things.
However, convenience does not come without risk. One of the key security concerns with smart homes is ensuring that devices are not vulnerable to hacking and cyber attack. Let’s take a look at how-to create a smart home while following cybersecurity best practices.
What Is a Smart Home?
A smart home is simply a home that’s connected to the Internet. Why would you want to connect your home to the Internet?
Smart Home Convenience and Cost Savings:
· Automate lights and energy systems (heating and cooling) to save money. Automated lights will help you to keep your electric bill down.
· Install a smart home security system for a fraction of the cost of a traditional system.
· Smart appliances will let you know when they’re having trouble. Moisture sensors can protect your investment by letting you know when there’s moisture accumulating and causing trouble.
Imagine being able to adjust the blinds in your bedroom without getting up, or double-checking that the front door has been locked when you have already left home. The automation capabilities of a smart home can be time saving and give you peace of mind.
How is a Smart Home automated?
Most smart home devices can be controlled through a smart home hub. This is a central device that connects to your internet router and will act as a “home base” communicating with and controlling all your other internet connected smart home gadgets. Most hub devices can be controlled through a mobile phone or tablet application.
Keeping Your Smart Home Safe
One of the most important things to remember when setting up a smart home is that you can open yourself up to series of cybersecurity threats. Your home network is only as strong as its weakest link. So when you start adding a host of new devices you’re going to want to make sure those devices are secure. How do you do that?
● Start at the top. Choose a strong, non-default password for your wireless router and hub. Hackers might have a list of default password, but defaults are also pretty easy to crack.
● Do your due diligence when it comes to researching the different protocols and devices. When you shop, shop for security.
● Keep your entire system updated, from your smart home devices to your laptops and tablets. Hackers often use known exploits to try and get into your home system. When you make your home smart, the risks become a lot higher.
● Use a full-service Internet security solution. Anti-virus software isn’t enough anymore. You need to cover yourself against zero-day threats and all forms of malware. Like all other software, keep it up to date.
The smart home comes with a lot of benefits. Get the most out of those benefits while making sure that you’re protecting yourself from internet connected threats.