Smart devices are a norm for most Americans. We have smartphones, smart cars, smart home assistants, and even smart refrigerators. These devices can make life more convenient and easier to manage.
Unfortunately, they can also put your safety and data at risk.
If your smart home isn’t secure, hackers may be able to access your devices and invade your privacy. Some victims have had hackers take over their smart security cameras and thermostats. Others have become victims of identity theft.
Before relying on your smart home for all your needs, make sure your devices aren’t making you a target for hackers and thieves. Explore the smart home security threats below to learn how to guard against them.
Top 9 threats to smart home security
1. Leaked data
When you set up your smart devices, you have to give your name, address, phone number, payment details, and other sensitive information to the company you bought them from. If someone manages to hack into the company’s database, they can then steal your sensitive data.
Even worse, they may sell your information to anyone willing to pay for it.
Protect your data by minimizing the amount of information you give to companies. Don’t provide any data that isn’t required, even for special offers.
If your information is leaked in a data breach, reach out to the company to see how they’re responding. You may be able to get free data monitoring to make sure your information isn’t being used without your permission.
2. Weak passwords
Sometimes passwords are included in data leaks. If you’ve used the same password for multiple accounts, thieves can use this information to hack into multiple accounts.
All too often, however, hackers don’t even have to break into databases to steal your information. They just have to guess the password you used for your account.
Weak passwords, such as “password” or “password123,” are easy to hack. Once they’ve guessed correctly, thieves can access your entire account. They can view your account information, control your smart devices, and wreak havoc on your home.
Factory passwords are another common security threat. Every device from that company uses the same simple password until the customer changes it. If you haven’t reset the password, the thief can use this well-known code to get into your account with ease.
Make sure every device in your network is secured with a strong, unique password that is difficult to guess.
3. Buggy software
Everyone makes mistakes, including software developers. If your equipment is using outdated or buggy software, hackers can use these vulnerabilities to steal your information and access your devices.
Prevent these breaches by keeping your devices updated to the latest version of the software. You can set up automatic installations and downloads to make sure you never miss an update. Check frequently with the manufacturer to see if they’ve identified any security risks. Stay proactive to guard against hackers.
4. Identity theft
If your data was leaked during a security breach, your finances and identity are at risk. Anyone who steals or buys your personal information can use it to make purchases with your credit cards or steal money from your bank account. If you don’t catch the threat quickly, you may suffer severe damage to your credit, finances, and more.
Keep a careful eye on transactions to catch any unauthorized charges. You can also use identity monitoring services to detect fraud.
5. Location tracking
Many smart devices use GPS tracking to enhance your device’s features. Your smartphone uses your location to offer directions, for instance. Unfortunately, that means anyone with access to your smart home can also see your location. They may use this information to rob your home or harm you.
See if you can turn off location sharing on devices and apps that don’t need it. Avoid public networks to keep your location protected and private.
6. Poor encryptions
Software encryptions scramble your data so it’s impossible to read unless you have the encryption key. Even if hackers get ahold of your data, they won’t be able to use it.
Reputable manufacturers use powerful encryptions to protect their customers’ data. Before choosing a smart device, research the type of security they offer. Make sure there aren’t complaints about weak protection or previous breaches.
7. Third-party apps
To control your smart home, you often need to download third-party apps. If these apps don’t use strong encryptions, have bugs, or don’t use measures like two-factor authentication, they might offer a door to your private information. Thieves can use this vulnerability to access your data and devices.
Before downloading an app, make sure it is authorized by your smart device’s manufacturer. Use secure passwords and available safety measures to protect your home, family, and information from thieves.
8. Sharing data
People often share passwords and codes with others. You might hire someone to watch your house or pets while you’re out of town, for example. Giving them your alarm code and Wi-Fi password allows them to do their job, but it can also open you up to security threats.
Carefully vet each person you trust with your information. Make sure they won’t share the information with others, such as a friend they bring along during the job. Monitor your security system to ensure they’re the only ones accessing your home and devices.
You can’t control what others do with the information you give them, but you can control who you give it to.
9. Unsecure Wi-Fi networks
When you first set up your Wi-Fi network, it will likely use a generic password. The first thing you should do is change this password to a stronger, more secure option. As mentioned earlier, make sure this password is unique to that account. Don’t reuse passwords or create variations by adding an extra character.
Following these practices will help you secure your smart home against thieves and hackers. You can enjoy all the comfort and convenience your devices offer without putting your safety at risk.
