Smart home devices have indeed made our lives a lot easier. Right from energy efficiency to security and convenience, these devices have enveloped us with their hoard of benefits.
However, reports suggest that an average smart home faces about 30 cyberattacks in a day! And this is highly concerning, as a majority of homeowners have switched to smart home appliances without even realizing the amount of security risks they are prone to.
In this blog, we have jotted down a list of some of the smart home devices hackers target the most, along with exploring the ways to keep them secure effectively. Let’s take a closer look.
List of the Most Vulnerable Smart Home Devices
- Wi-Fi routers
Your Wi-Fi router is literally the front door to your home network.
So, if it has been compromised by a hacker, it means they can access every other connected gadget in your house. Not just that, but they can also monitor your online activities and, most importantly, have access to your personal data.
To properly secure smart home devices, change your router’s login credentials immediately. Added to that, make sure to keep the firmware updated, and set up a guest network for visitors. This helps keep your main data private and isolated from outside traffic.
- CCTV cameras
Installing CCTV cameras at home offers a great peace of mind. However, they are often the frequent targets for hackers. How so?
Well, hackers make use of ‘credential stuffing’ to log into these devices. If you have the habit of reusing passwords across different websites, it gives these hackers an easy way to infiltrate. And once they gain access, they can watch your private video feed, stream it online, or even control the camera!
One of the most effective ways to secure smart home devices like these is to enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). This ensures that even if someone steals your password, they cannot log in without the code sent directly to your phone.
Other than that, make sure that the firmware is updated, and set a strong, unique password. These are some of the measures you can take to protect your security cameras from getting hacked.
- Video doorbells
The greatest advantage of video doorbells is also their worst disadvantage.
And what is that? Well, it sits right outside your home! This means these devices are physically accessible and can be easily tampered with.
On top of that, if these devices don’t use built-in encryption, an intruder could hack into them and monitor your footage or track your daily routine.
So, what are the tips to protect smart home devices of this type? Well, while purchasing, make sure to opt for a model that offers encrypted video feeds. Other than that, use a strong password and update system software regularly to prevent any unauthorized access.
- Baby monitors
Did you know that even baby monitors are vulnerable to security breaches?
More often than not, we keep baby monitors on default settings. And this makes it easier for hackers to gain access to the live feed, which raises serious privacy concerns.
Therefore, some of the crucial strategies to implement for smart home devices like baby monitors include-
- Disabling the remote viewing feature when it is not required.
- Updating the firmware regularly for the latest security patches.
- Creating a unique username and a strong password.
Before you go: Here’s a more detailed outlook on the cybersecurity risks of a smart home that you need to explore before installing smart devices!
Wrapping Up
Smart devices might just bring about some unparalleled benefits to our lives. But, it has also brought in the risks of cybersecurity, which can turn every smart device in your home into a spy that would be giving away your whereabouts 24×7!
So, whenever you’re installing a smart device, make sure that it comes with built-in encryption. Also, avoid using the devices with the default settings. Set a unique username, a strong password, and enable two-factor authentication for a multi-layered security that hackers can’t break through!
Having said that, if you like to share insights on home appliances and security, Home Improvement Ideaz might be the ideal platform for you! Send your blogs under their ‘home improvement write for us’ category, and win a chance to get featured.
F.A.Qs
- How can you tell if one of my smart devices has been hacked?
Usually, the following signs indicate that your smart device(s) have been hacked-
- ‘Ghost actions’, like the camera moving on its own.
- Facing issues while logging in to the user account.
- Sudden increase in data usage.
- Is it necessary to set up a guest network for smart devices?
Yes absolutely. A guest network remains separate from the main network and ensures that even if a hacker breaks through, they won’t easily get access to your personal details or data.
- Why are default settings considered risky?
Default settings are risky because manufacturers use the same username and password for different units. Hackers can easily break through this with the help of automated scripts and combinations.