Keeping Your Smart Home Smart… and Secure

From doorbells that can show you who is at your door – and let you speak to them – to lights and shades that automatically adjust to your in-home hours and habits, you can pretty much program your home to respond to your every need and whim through your computer or mobile device. According to Gartner Research, by 2020, the number of Internet-connected devices is estimated to exceed 20 billion. With the positives of smart home technology come some significant concerns, primarily through criminal hacking. The statistics are frightening. According to security systems leader Symantec, a hacker can break into an Internet of Things (IoT) device in two minutes. It’s unlikely that security is built into your devices.

Here are some tips from leading information security experts to help secure your smart home: •Secure your WiFi connection. Make sure that it is password-protected and use a router that offers firewall protections.

•Install security software. Protect your computer and mobile devices with trusted security software and keep it updated to protect against malware.

• Protect your smartphone. Keep your phone locked and use strong passwords to prevent unauthorized access, as almost all smart home devices are controlled by mobile apps.

•Know device capabilities. Smart home products are intelligent; modify privacy and security settings on each device based on your needs.

Hackers often still have the upper hand when it comes to technology and Internetbased systems and devices, so it is important to be aware that prioritizing convenience over security in a smart home environment may have consequences, and your home security systems may actually have security vulnerabilities. Taking the steps above are your best defense, at least until greater protections become available in smart home technology.