Imagine coming home to discover that your smart home system has been hacked and all your personal information is at risk.
You panic at the thought that your privacy has been compromised and race to stop the attack. There and then, you wonder what you can do to improve your smart home network security.
Unfortunately, this is not just a hypothetical scenario because today, the average smart home experiences thousands of cyber-attacks every week.
Nobody wants to experience a cyber attack or security threat in their home. But, as the number of connected devices in our homes grows, so does the risk of cyber attacks.
So what are the common security risks you should be aware of, and what can you do to improve your smart home security?
Keep reading for practical tips on how to improve your smart home network security and protect your personal information.
SEE ALSO: The Do’s and Don’ts of Your First Home Network Installation
Common Smart Home Security Risks
While smart home devices offer many benefits, they come with security risks. To protect your home, you must know the common security risks you may face.
Here are some common smart home security risks you should know.
Privacy Invasion
Smart devices can collect and store personal data about daily routines and activities. This data can include your schedule, preferences, and location. In the wrong hands, this information can be used to invade your privacy and compromise your safety.
Hacking of Devices
Smart devices are connected to the internet, which makes them vulnerable to hacking. Cybercriminals can exploit security weaknesses in smart home devices to gain access to your network, steal your personal information, or control your devices. Hacking can lead to a loss of privacy, as hackers can monitor your activities and access sensitive data.
Identity Theft
Smart home devices store sensitive personal information such as credit card details and login credentials. If this information falls into the wrong hands, it can be used for identity theft or fraud. Hackers can use stolen information to open new credit accounts, make fraudulent purchases or apply for loans in your name.
Malware Virus Attacks
Malware and virus attacks are common security risks for all devices connected to the internet. Smart home security systems can be infected with malware or viruses that steal data or damage your device. Malware can be introduced into your system through email attachments, downloads, or unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
How to Secure Your Smart Home System
According to a report by cybersecurity firm Norton, cyberattacks on connected home devices increased by 300% in 2019 alone. This means you are at risk if you own a smart home.
While the stats are staggering, you don't have to panic. With these tips, you can secure your smart home system network and boost your home security.
Here's how to secure your smart home network system.
Change the default login credentials
Changing the default login credentials of your smart home devices is essential, as hackers frequently exploit them to gain unauthorized access to your devices. You should use a strong, unique password to prevent anyone from guessing it. So, if your password is Admin, 12345, 0000, or any other default login password, you should change it immediately.
Use a strong Wi-Fi password
Integrating IoT devices, Wi-fi routers, and wireless access points into a home network can create vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. So, using a robust and distinctive password for your Wi-Fi network is critical to prevent unauthorized access to your smart devices. Avoid using easily guessable passwords, such as your name or birth date, as attackers can easily crack them.
Create a guest network
If your router supports it, consider creating a separate guest network for visitors to keep your smart home devices isolated from potential threats. This way, you can ensure that your devices are only accessible to authorized individuals and that visitors do not accidentally or intentionally compromise your network.
Keep firmware up-to-date
Manufacturers often release updates to fix security vulnerabilities in the firmware of smart home devices. To protect your smart devices at home, keep them running on the latest firmware versions to ensure they have the latest security patches.
Disable unnecessary features
Disabling unused features or services that are not required can reduce the attack surface and make it harder for hackers to exploit vulnerabilities. This will help minimize the risk of potential security breaches and protect your smart home devices from unauthorized access.
Enable two-factor authentication
Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication for your smart devices. This will add an extra layer of security to your devices, requiring an additional authentication step beyond just a username and password. It will also make it harder for attackers to access your smart home devices even if they manage to obtain your login credentials.
Use a VPN for remote access
If you want to access your smart home devices remotely, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is advisable to encrypt the traffic and protect it from prying eyes. A VPN creates a secure connection between your device and the internet, making it difficult for hackers to intercept your data or launch attacks on your network.
Use Voice Control
Smart speakers with voice control can provide an added layer of security to your smart home network. By using voice commands, you can avoid using passwords that can be hacked or stolen.
Use a Smart Home Network Security Device
A smart home network security device can help you boost your home security by implementing various security measures to protect your devices and data from unauthorized access, hacking, and other cyber threats.
These devices allow you to manage passwords, block unauthorized access, and get intrusion alerts. This way, you can prevent hackers from getting a hold of your security camera, smart lights, speakers, Smart TV, etc.
How Does a Smart Home Network Security Work?
In a smart home system, various devices are connected through a network, allowing users to control them remotely via the internet. However, this connectivity makes smart home devices vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
A smart home network security system typically works by creating a secure network that connects all the devices in your home. A password usually protects this network, and all devices that connect must be authenticated before they can access it.
Once the devices are connected, the smart home network security system monitors the traffic on the network, looking for any suspicious activity or attempts to access the network without authorization. If it detects any such activity, it will block unauthorized access and alert the user.
In addition to monitoring the network, smart home network security systems can also provide other security features, such as encryption of data transmitted over the network and the ability to control and monitor your devices from a secure app remotely.
All these features can help to ensure that your personal information and home network are kept safe from cyber threats. And this is where SnapAV comes in.
Your Smart Home Network Security Just Got Easier with SnapAV Araknis!
You deserve a home network that runs as it should at all hours. And this is what Araknis brings to your smart home.
SnapAV Araknis works to make your smart home network security a breeze. With Araknis, you enjoy fast Wi-Fi speeds and vast network coverage on a device with robust security features, including firewalls, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), and automatic firmware updates.
Araknis provides wireless access points that operate at peak performance in any setting, so you never have to worry about your network failing when you need it most. And yes, it is compatible with your smart devices!
As a leading provider of smart home network security systems, Araknis offers cloud management, network monitoring, and password management that lets you control every part of your system, no matter where you are!
You can also connect all the smart technologies throughout your network, check in easily, and view all your devices on your system through the cloud-based app, OvrC.
With a strong and protected network, you can rest assured that your technologies will communicate effectively and that your personal data is never in danger. And this is what you get with SnapAV Araknis!
Don't put your smart home and family at risk. Contact us today to schedule a no-obligation consultation with our team. Let us make your smart home experience secure and worry-free!
