If you like the ‘convenience' lifestyle, gadgets, automation, and having your home ‘connected' to the network, you should also be aware that hacking is a real possibility. In the post below survivopedia offers some clear-cut advice on how to maintain your home and network secure from hackers.
Protecting Your Smart Home Tech
Now you know it’s possible to hack smart home tech remotely. What steps can you take to protect yourself and your network from becoming part of the next botnet attack?
1. Secure Your Network
Start by securing your Wi-Fi network. Change the default password that came with the device, as well as the password that allows you to access the router directly. You might find that the username and password to get into the router are “admin” if you received your device from your internet service provider. Leaving these default passwords alone is like issuing an open invitation to hack your network.
Consider setting up a MAC address filter for your router for an additional layer of security. Each Wi-Fi-enabled device will have a unique one. Adding a MAC filter to your router means unauthorized users won’t be able to connect, even with the password.
2. Manage Your Account Passwords
Your Wi-Fi password isn’t the only piece of information you need to protect when it comes to keeping hackers out of your smart home network. Most devices require setting up an account with its associated companion app. Someone who gets your password will have access to your smart devices with no hacking required.
Don’t use the same password for everything. Instead, consider using a random generator to create a strong, unique password for each account. Use a password manager to help you securely track them all.
3. Change Default Device Passwords
Many smart home devices come equipped with default passwords. These can be handy when setting up your network, but they should be changed as soon as that’s finished. Some may be randomly generated, but manufacturers may use a list of default or admin passwords that enable them to access the device remotely if necessary. Every item they’ve ever sold could be vulnerable if these are leaked.
Change your default passwords. Use the same secure generator to create a new and unique one for each device.
4. Add Two-Factor Authentication
Provide an extra layer of security by adding two-factor authentication to your account. That makes it more difficult for hackers to find their way in. Authenticators generate a single-use code that is necessary to sign in. Hackers that manage to figure out your username and password won’t be able to get in without the authenticator linked to your account.
5. Don’t Access Your Network With Unsecured Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is excellent in a pinch if you need to pull up a Google search or find directions, but it’s not secure. A savvy hacker could watch your every move if you access your home network via a public hotspot. Use your secure hotspot if you can’t avoid accessing your network while you’re away from home.
If connecting to public wireless networks is unavoidable, utilizing a virtual private network (VPN) can give you an extra layer of security. That will make it impossible for hackers to follow in your virtual footsteps.
Don’t Let This Discourage You
The idea of someone hacking your smart home tech is almost enough to scare us back to the Stone Age but don’t let it discourage you. There are so many benefits to installing smart home tech that they outweigh the risks. The key isn’t to keep smart tech out of your house — it’s to secure your network so trying to hack in isn’t worth the effort.
Protecting your home network from hackers is often as simple as changing the default passwords that come with your devices and keeping your system secure. Don’t use the same password for everything, and you should be golden. Hackers trying to create a botnet with smart home devices aren’t looking for a challenge. They’re looking for an easy way in. Deny them that and you’re safe as houses.
As we become increasingly reliant on connected devices, it's important to take steps to secure our homes against potential threats. While the thought of a hacker gaining control of our lights or thermostat might seem like a scene from a movie, the reality is that it's not as far-fetched as we might think. Fortunately, there are a few simple actions we can take to help protect our home networks.
In addition to securing our network, we can also take steps to secure individual devices. For example, many devices allow us to set up two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security. We can also keep an eye on our devices for any suspicious activity and make sure to install any security updates that are released.
By taking a few simple precautions, we can help to keep our smart homes safe from potential threats.
Source: https://www.survivopedia.com
John Ravenporton is a writer for many popular online publications. John is now our chief editor at DailyTechFeed. John specializes in Crypto, Software, Computer and Tech related articles.
