As modern living continues to evolve, more and more things are able to be automated. You can automate your laundry appliances, thermostat, lighting and so much more. It’s all about convenience and efficiency. But with so many things being automated and connected to the Internet, there are some things that need to be considered, like hackers. Cybersecurity isn’t just for organizations, businesses, and government agencies anymore. If you have smart gadgets in your home, you need to be aware. The last thing you want is for someone to hack your in-home camera and watch you or upload footage to the web. Here are some suggestions for protecting your devices and your home.
Split Your Network
By splitting your local network into multiple parts, you’ll be better able to pinpoint a breach should the unfortunate happen. This means that if someone hacks into one of your smart home gadgets and accesses something like your user statistics, they won’t be able to gain access to other devices or sensitive personal data. This may seem like a difficult task, but professionals at managed IT services Brisbane can help you set up your home’s smart devices safely and properly.
Passwords
Every smart device, whether it’s your refrigerator or thermostat, has a default password. This is not intended to be your password moving forward. Change the default password to something unique and strong, FridgeSmart1234 is neither unique nor strong. Leaving the default password as-is is nothing short of an open invitation to hackers. Another great password tip is not to reuse passwords and to include numbers, capital letters, and special characters in them.
Updates
Keeping your device’s firmware updated is one of the best ways to safeguard them. Device firmware is integrally tied to the operating system and it needs to be maintained for optimal operation. Updates usually provide more protection against hackers in addition to fixing bugs and adding features. Ignoring these updates leaves your devices very vulnerable.
Multi-Factor Authentication
It may seem like an inconvenience, but multi-factor authentication is added protection of your accounts. Sometimes it’s referred to as two-step authentication. It works by you entering your password and then entering a unique one-time code that’s emailed or texted to you. This means that even if a hacker gets your password, they would still need access to another one of your devices to complete the job.
Use a VPN
A VPN or a very private network is software that encrypts your network’s traffic. VPNs make it very difficult for hackers to monitor your online activity. Some VPNs can even make it look like you’re in a different country. They also come in handy with personal devices when you’re using insecure networks or free WiFi. A big part of thwarting hackers is securing your connection. Although there are no failsafes when it comes to your smart home gadgets, there are things you can do to put yourself at the bottom of the cyber attack list. There’s a lot of comfort and ease that comes with having smart devices in your home, but you don’t have to trade your security and peace of mind for them.
About the author
Joseph Fanchon is a senior web developer who has helped develop numerous apps and websites. He enjoys cycling, hiking, and football when he’s not in front of a screen.
