A recurring question we receive is whether smart homes are safe. Today we give you some tips for smart home security.
Many customers ask us if connecting equipment is safe: “If I link my Sonos Amp amplifier to my TV and control them both from my phone so that they turn on when I get home, can this compromise my security in any way?
How secure is the smart home?
Since the first remote control was developed in 1950, we have moved on to being able to remotely control all devices from a single one. Thanks to the internet of things, locks, televisions, radiators or lights can be turned on and off whenever we want, from wherever we want.
This is an undeniable advance, but also a source of great doubts regarding the security and privacy of our data and of our homes.
To analyse this aspect, let us first understand how they work.
How does a smart home work?
These are Internet-connected devices that can be remotely controlled by small computers.
Unlike a remote control, these systems can collect and store information on their use.
- usage
- habits
- preferences
And they can do this on the device itself or on the network. In other words, they store information about users that can be harmful in the wrong hands.
Such information is very useful for us, as inhabitants of a smart home, to enjoy the conveniences that this system offers us, but does it add a risk of privacy concerns?
Risks, threats and solutions
It is true that some devices are not safe, so it is very important to be sure that we install top brands, with all the guarantees. Of course, it goes without saying that this installation must be carried out by a specialised, authorised and reliable company such as Digital Cinema.
Secondly, we must make sure that the home network is not accessible to intruders. It is very important to protect vulnerable information such as times when you are away from home or private data such as emails, bank accounts, etc.
Smart home security tips
- Protect all your devices with passwords that are difficult to crack and, if possible, with double authentication.
- Make sure that the main account is not at the administrator or root level.
- Change the router’s default username and password.
- Use firewalls on routers and computers. Although many routers and computers have built-in firewalls, make sure they are enabled.
- Install strong security software on both your computers and the smartphone from which you control them.
- Also install patches and keep software up to date, as an outdated system is more accessible to hackers.
- Check app permissions and change the default voice alert word on devices.
Smart home security is one of the most important aspects for us, as we want you to enjoy a comfortable and protected home.
