Whether upgrading your existing home security system or setting up a new one, the thing is they can help prevent burglars from breaking into your property. These days, security systems include a lot of devices and gadgets to help protect your home from fire hazards and crime.
The cases of burglaries are rising every year.
There are plenty of risks without having a security system for both you and your family. It can be worthwhile to have a security system to alert authorities if someone tries to break in. If you are looking for a wireless security system, you may also be worried about hacking attacks.
Hackers can manipulate smart speakers and hack cameras to spy. They may also use smart plugs as loopholes to breach the whole security system. So, it is natural that you might be skeptical about making your home smart.
But you still should not avoid the benefits that these smart devices can provide.
The key here is to know the risks involved and get the best security features. Whether you have a wireless security camera or a whole network of smart devices from a home security company, there are certain steps to ensure the security of your property and loved ones.
Are you comfortable with what you are ordering?
Before you order smart lighting, a video doorbell, a smart speaker, wireless security cameras, a smart thermostat, or anything, make sure you can balance your convenience with your privacy and security.
You can ensure some peace of mind with a home security camera. Is it okay for you if your footage is stored on the cloud? Alexa is always awake for your commands. Do you consider it a perk or an attack on your privacy?
Change your Wi-Fi Password
A lot of routers have a simple password like “password” or “D-Link1” out of the box. So, hackers can easily guess the password and sneak into the devices linked to the router. So, you should choose a strong password that is hard to guess for others but easy to remember for you.
Secure Other Passwords
Just securing your Wi-Fi password is not enough.
You should also protect your accounts and devices connected to your Wi-Fi router. You might be controlling a lot of smart devices in your home through a mobile app. So, you may want to create an account with each device.
Avoid the same passwords to secure all devices. It is inconvenient not just for the owner, but also for a hacker.
Once they crack the password of one of your accounts, all other accounts will be breached. If you have a problem remembering different passwords for different services, use a password manager. You can also generate complex codes with a random password generator.
2-Factor Identification
After securing your account with strong passwords, you can add an extra layer of security with 2-factor authentication.
A lot of services like Gmail support this feature. Along with your password, those services will require a specific code that is sent to your registered mobile number via text message. Even though a hacker somehow cracks your account, they won’t have access without that verification code.
Google Nest, Amazon Echo, Arlo, Ring, and other smart home devices use 2-factor verification.
Keep Your Firmware Up-to-date
Firmware is a software program that controls your IoT gadgets and a Wi-Fi router. New features and security patches are rolled out regularly and all the connected devices are updated automatically over Wi-Fi.
But you need to manually update some devices to get all the latest bug fixes and new features. You shouldn’t neglect those updates. Set a reminder to look for updates manually or set your device to automate updates.
But don’t forget to update these devices. It will be even easier for hackers to get into your devices if you run older versions of firmware. If you don’t know how to get a firmware update, check the details provided by Amazon, Wyze, Google, Ring, or other devices.
Conclusion
In this day and age, all personal devices that are connected to the internet are vulnerable to attacks. But it doesn’t mean you should avoid the latest technology. With a few security measures, you can protect them from hackers and these devices can protect your home from other threats.