Learn our tips for safeguarding your connected home from hackers

In 2019, dozens of homeowners joined forces to file a class-action lawsuit against Amazon Ring for lax security measures that allowed hackers to take over smart video cameras and doorbells. Hackers used their illicit access to threaten and harass people inside their homes.

Unfortunately, cases like these have risen alongside the growing popularity of smart technology and home automation systems connected to the vast Internet of Things (IoT). Hackers who gain access to your smart home can control your connected devices, harass your family, and steal personal data over your home network.

What can you do to protect your Passaic, NJ smart home against hacking and cyberthreats? We have five tips below.

SEE ALSO: What to Look for in a Smart Home Installer

 

1. Change Default Settings

Do not leave the default usernames and passwords for any of your devices, including your home router, smart home apps, or individual smart devices. Create unique usernames and passwords everywhere you need them. And don’t forget to swap out your passwords for fresh ones a few times a year.

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

Yeah, yeah, we know — it’s annoying to set up two-factor authentication to log into accounts. But we bet it’s even more annoying to get hacked. Having two layers of credentials is a good deterrent for would-be hackers.

3. Avoid Public Wi-Fi

Remote access is one of the most convenient features of smart technology. But think twice before using a public network to access your smart devices away from home. Hackers know that open public networks are easy pickings as a back door to your personal information. If you want to check in on your smart lights, door locks, climate, and surveillance cameras while you’re out, use a secure wireless hotspot or cellular data instead. 

4. Update Your Devices Regularly

How many times have you snoozed the latest update on your iPhone or Android? We know the frequent notifications and the time it takes to update devices can be annoying, but we recommend checking in with your smart home devices regularly for new firmware updates. In most cases, manufacturers release these updates to patch security vulnerabilities and strengthen your line of defense against malware and hackers. 

5. Do a Factory Reset Before Disposal

Planning to throw out or sell one of your connected devices? Do a factory reset first that clears the device of all passwords and personal data. A reset prevents hackers (or anyone else) from accessing your private information or potentially re-connecting to your network and other devices.

We recommend working with a trusted integrator like Electronic Concepts to install your smart home in Passaic, NJ. Our techs can help you set up the security measures and firewalls necessary to keep your home automation system and connected devices safe. Call us or fill out a contact form to schedule a no-obligation consultation with our team.