Smart Homes: safe or riskier?

The number of smart homes worldwide is expected to increase.

One of the great things about smart home technology is the use of Internet-connected devices to secure private homes remotely. 

Smart homes, one aspect of the Internet of Things, promise increased energy efficiency and control over home security. By integrating various devices with each other, users can easily program many devices throughout the home, including home appliances, cameras, and alarm sensors.

This is why they are becoming so increasingly popular. Smart homes, which were once a futuristic technology are now a reality, and that is why many companies are now offering such services, even Internet Service Providers (ISPs). For instance, Cox homelife allows you to build your smart home around your needs by giving you the option to customize your set-ups. 

However, despite the convenience that smart home security devices provide for protecting your home from theft, damage, or accidents, smart home devices also run the risk of reducing the security of personal information.

How do they pose a threat to security?

Smart home systems are revolutionizing entertainment and convenience. 

They also contain a lot of personal information, making them a popular target for cybercriminals. 

But those who understand smart home security threats and the associated risks can plan accordingly. Then these people will be able to make sure that their smart home devices are properly protected.

You can't stop cyberattacks on smart homes, but you can learn about common security threats to your home and how to stop them. 

Now let's take a look at some common security threats to your home and how to deal with them.

• Outdated software

Running old, vulnerable software on smart devices can make it even easier for cybercriminals to use them for malicious purposes. 

The best way to protect your devices is to buy them from well-known brands that prioritize security and then set them to automatically update when new software becomes available. 

So you have the latest security patches that close known holes, minimize the risk of viruses, and keep your smart home running smoothly and securely.

• Hacking

The cloud is often used as a euphemism for sensitive information that is publicly shared and/or stored on systems accessible over the Internet. 

Tech companies like to use the term "cloud" to hide the risks of such insecure transmission and storage.

You can't fool hackers though.

Cloud gadgets are vulnerable to cyberattacks because a lot of data is transferred over the Internet in an insecure manner. Unfortunately, some of these translations are not even needed. 

Cloud devices can create security issues for homeowners because data, such as video data for cameras, is transmitted unencrypted over the Internet. 

Therefore, cloud hardware is a target for cyberattacks.

• Third-party issues

Many smart devices allow homeowners to remotely turn lights on and off or open and close garage doors by integrating third-party mobile apps or smart home platforms. 

However, apps without secure authorization can allow other people to impersonate you and control your devices if they gain access to your phone. 

Some apps also group permissions to perform actions on the device rather than requiring separate permissions for each feature. 

This allows a hacker to remotely lock and unlock the front door, for example. When in doubt, use only authorized apps and platforms to manage your smart devices.

• Data manipulation

The data generated by unsecured wearables and smart devices expose cyber attackers to a large amount of targeted personal information that can potentially be misused for fraudulent transactions and detected theft. 

The attacker effectively captures and gains control of the device. 

These attacks are difficult to detect because the attacker does not change the main functionality of the device. In addition, one device is enough to re-infect all smart devices in the house. 

For example, a hacker who breaks into a thermostat first could theoretically gain access to the entire network and lock the door remotely or change the keypad PIN to restrict access.

• Location tracking

Smart home devices are designed to protect your personal information. However, there may be times when a smart device makes your home easily accessible. In these cases, cybercriminals can spy on you and track your location.

Set up a separate network for smart home devices to protect them from location tracking. This network can help you hide your home address from cyber criminals. 

You can use the network for all your smart home devices, whether it's shared by multiple family members or you live alone.

Beware of suspicious email messages related to smart home devices. If you don't know the sender or are concerned about the security of the email, don't click on any links or download attachments in the message.

Conclusion 

A connected home can make your life easier and more comfortable. However, it also has a downside. Connecting your home systems to the Internet exposes them to a number of security risks. The first step to making your home more secure is to isolate your smart home network from other networks. This is relatively easy to do by setting up guest networks for your home IoT devices. Using guest networks can also help improve the security of your home network in other ways.