Can Your House Be Hacked? Make Sure The Answer Is No
Smart homes and home automation are increasingly popular and carry a variety of benefits. Programming thermostats and lighting promotes energy efficiency and lower utility bills. And, monitoring your home remotely via security cameras while you're away can add to peace of mind on vacation. But, what about the hidden vulnerabilities that come with internet and/or smartphone connected home automation systems and devices? Can your house be hacked? Here are some tips to help make sure the answer is no.
Secure the Router
A router is essentially the digital gateway into your home networking system. Do some research and find a router with a good security track record. Also, make sure you create a strong password and that the router's firmware (internal software that runs the device) is updated when recommended to help ensure security features stay current.
Use Multi-Level Authentication
Hackers use many tactics to steal user names and passwords to gain access to home networking devices. Whenever possible, use more than just a password to secure tech or automated devices. Many apps and websites offer two-step authentication under a "settings" area. This could be an extra one-time code or security key. Or, even better, a thumbprint or eye scan is much more difficult to replicate, and these are a great added security feature for a keypad entry door lock.
Don't Use Default Passwords on Home Devices
This tip may seem like common sense, but many consumers don't want to go through the "hassle" of changing the factory default password on routers, computers and other home-automated appliances. Infiltrating your home system via these factory default passcodes is easy for hackers who can find them on various online forums. Changing the default password to a customized password of your choice prevents this kind of breach from occurring.
Don't Buy a Used Nest
While compromising a Nest thermostat is not easy, it can happen when a hacker gains physical access to the device. This kind of thing could potentially occur with a Nest bought from eBay, Craigslist or other secondhand sales outlets. Hackers could possibly load custom software to the used device before someone unknowingly buys it, and this software can help them access your home network and the Wi-Fi password that the Nest is eventually linked to. Buying a brand-new, in-the-box system can drastically reduce the possibility of unwanted physical access.
Run Software Updates Often
No one likes to be interrupted by those pesky "software update is available" messages on smartphones, laptops and other tech devices. However, these updates often contain important security updates that can help make devices less vulnerable to unwanted attacks. To coin Nike's slogan, when you get a software update message: Just do it. You could be making a hacker's job a lot harder when you do.
Install Malware Programs
Antivirus programs are designed to keep your devices safe from hackers and other malicious invasions. Of course, there is never an ironclad "guarantee" you'll never be hacked. But, these programs offer routine monitoring, virus and malware identification and protection. Common programs (that carry a subscription fee) are Norton Antivirus and McAfee. Kaspersky frequently offers a free trial with new device purchases. PCWorld ranked AVAST and AVG AntiVirus among the best free antivirus programs of 2016.
Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi and Create a VLAN
Public Wi-Fi offers great on-the-go browsing convenience. However, it's not a good idea to use public Wi-Fi to sync up or monitor your smart home devices. You could unwittingly give hackers a virtual home entry point when doing so. Consider using a personal hotspot with your cell phone provider, instead.
Along with this, consider splitting the internet connection for your home computer and smart home devices by setting up a VLAN (virtual local area network). Devices can be connected on different portals so that if one device is compromised, hackers can't use it to access other devices. Consult an IT professional, GeekSquad or another tech service to guide you or to set it up for you if necessary.
Post Author: Lori Melton.
