There was a time when house lights required the physical flick of a switch, and the height of in-home tech was a remote control for the TV. Those days have long passed and so-called “smart” tech now fills our homes.
Everything from central heating to doorbells are Wi-Fi connected and controlled by apps on our phones and tablets. We can answer the door while we’re on holiday, turn up the heating on our way home from work, and do the washing-up while we work out at the gym.
But all this technology could come with a potential cost, too.
Keep reading to find out more.
Smart homes are convenient, but their potential security threat must be understood, too
Smart homes are run digitally using interconnected (and internet-connected) apps that collect and store data, everything from our grocery preferences to our voices and the images and videos captured on our doorsteps.
And where there is a large amount of digital data, there are cyberhackers and potential scammers.
In the UK, the technology is still relatively new and, arguably, not as widespread as in other parts of the world, meaning cyberattacks on individuals and their homes in Britain are rare. In South Korea, on the other hand, just last year, police arrested alleged hackers who had gained access to more than 120,000 home video security cameras.
As the tech continues to proliferate, these types of cases will only become more common.
The answer to keeping your smart home safe is the same as with any other digital threat
While you have likely invested in a strong lock for your front door, you might not always be sufficiently security-conscious when it comes to in-house tech.
But just as you protect your digital privacy online with strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA), remember that all your smart household devices deserve – and require – the same level of attention.
Rather than looking to hack your specific home, scammers trying to secure your data will often be targeting larger areas, looking for weaknesses in IP addresses.
They might look to gain access via smart devices like doorbell cameras, TVs, or even washing machines. If you have apps with accounts and cloud platforms attached, these could be targeted too. This means you need to keep on top of your cybersecurity.
5 ways to keep your smart home safe
1. Use strong, unique passwords
Always use a strong password composed of numbers, letters, and special characters and be sure the password is unique to the app or device. Try not to duplicate passwords – or variations of passwords – and never share your password with anyone.
2. Add 2FA where you can
Each additional layer of security is another puzzle for hackers to solve. Just one additional layer in the form of 2FA – a secondary PIN, security question, or password – could be sufficient to stop a hacker in their tracks and convince them to move on.
3. Keep devices and apps updated
Keeping devices and apps up to date will ensure they have the latest security protections in place, possibly with patches to improve areas of weakness. Security settings on apps and devices can limit who can see your data and make it harder for unauthorised hackers to access it.
4. Disable features you don’t need
If you’re on holiday or out for the day and expecting a delivery, having remote viewing enabled on a doorbell camera or associated app makes sense. But that doesn’t mean these settings need to be enabled all the time. Turn off unneeded functionality when you are at home to limit the time available to potential hackers to gain access.
5. Add a separate Wi-Fi network
You might find that your provider and router allow you to add multiple Wi-Fi networks. If so, ensure important devices with lots of personal data – such as your laptop and mobile phone – are on a separate network to smart household devices that might not have the same level of security.
Get in touch
Smart technology at our fingertips is making all our lives easier and providing us with incredible opportunities for time and energy saving. But stay vigilant and remember that where there are internet-connected smart devices, there will be cybercriminals looking to take advantage.
Please email hello@globeifa.co.uk or call us on 020 8891 0711 to discuss how Globe IFA’s expert financial advisors can help you safely and securely manage your wealth.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
