Potential perils in smart homes: assessing the cyber threats posed by connected residences
In today's interconnected world, safeguarding your personal data and smart home devices from digital attacks is more important than ever. Here are some key measures to help you fortify your wireless and smart home networks against potential threats.
Strengthening Wi-Fi Encryption
For optimal security, use WPA3 encryption if your router supports it. If not, WPA2 is the next best option. Avoid outdated protocols like WEP, which are vulnerable to hacking.
Creating Strong, Unique Passwords
Change default router admin credentials and Wi-Fi passwords to complex, unique ones. Regularly updating these passwords is crucial for maintaining security.
Keeping Firmware Updated
Ensure all smart devices and your router have the latest firmware to patch security vulnerabilities. Regular updates are essential for a secure smart home.
Disabling Unnecessary Features
Turn off features like Universal Plug and Play (UPnP), remote access, location or voice permissions on devices that you do not need. These features can provide entry points for hackers.
Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Use 2FA on accounts controlling your smart devices for extra security. This adds an additional layer of protection to your devices.
Creating a Separate Network for Smart Devices
Use a guest or isolated network on your router to separate smart devices from sensitive devices like computers and phones. This helps contain potential threats.
Enabling Router Firewall
Confirm your router’s firewall is active to monitor and block unauthorized network access.
Monitoring Network Traffic
Regularly check connected devices to detect unknown or suspicious connections early. Early detection can help prevent potential attacks.
Securing Physical Access
Protect devices like smartphones or tablets that control smart home gadgets with PINs or passwords and enable remote wipe options in case they are lost or stolen.
Avoiding Public Wi-Fi for Smart Devices
Only connect to secure home networks; public Wi-Fi can expose your devices to attacks.
Renaming SSID and Devices Carefully
Use generic names for Wi-Fi networks and smart devices to avoid giving attackers personal information.
Turning off Your Wireless Router
When away for extended periods, turning off your wireless router can prevent unauthorized access, especially from attacks like wardriving.
These steps collectively reduce exposure to common vulnerabilities and reinforce your smart home against digital attacks.
Additional Tips
- A strong password is a combination of upper and lower-case letters, special characters, and numbers, and should not be a common word or something associated with your identity.
- Using passphrases, multi-factor authentication, password generators, and password managers can further enhance network security.
- Registering your smart devices with the manufacturer can ensure you receive the latest firmware updates and security patches.
- If you suspect a smart device has been hacked, powering it down and contacting the manufacturer's support/helpline is recommended.
- When purchasing new smart technology, it's important to research the manufacturer and their security protocols.
- RACV Home Insurance can provide safeguards in the event of theft.
- Changing the default SSID (Service Set Identifier) of your Wi-Fi network and using a strong password can increase security.
- Hackers can potentially access personal information stored on a smart device infected with malware, including voice search history or banking data.
- Keeping your devices updated with the latest software can help prevent hackers from accessing your devices.
For tailored security solutions, professional installation, and maintenance and servicing across a wide range of security systems, consider RACV Home Security Systems.
- Maintaining a secure lifestyle in today's home-and-garden setting includes ensuring the safety of your smart devices and personal data, especially with technology advancing rapidly.
- To fortify your home-and-garden smart home network, don't overlook the importance of implementing cybersecurity measures such as using strong, unique passwords, updating firmware, disabling unnecessary device features, and enabling two-factor authentication.
