Best 8 Security Tips When Setting up Your Smart Home • AxiomQ

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November 30, 2022 Business

A smart home is a practical home design where electronics and appliances can be remotely controlled via the internet from any location using a smartphone or other networked device. The internet connects the devices in a smart home, enabling users to remotely control features like temperature, lighting, security access, and home theater systems.

Home automation offers homeowners guaranteed security by enabling remote monitoring of properties and thwarting threats like a forgotten coffee maker left on or an unlocked front door. This is one of the most frequently cited advantages of home automation. Smart homes can accommodate users ’ preferences for convenience. For instance, users can set the garage doors with smart locks to open, lights to turn on, the fireplace to light, and music to play automatically once at home. Smart homes are, however, at risk of being accessed by people with malicious intentions. Smart devices use Wi-Fi networks and communicate using proprietary protocols, making the devices susceptible to hacking and cracking. Hackers can monitor unsecured Wi-Fi networks, making access easy and intercepting the data that smart devices send to apps and other devices. Therefore, homeowners should ensure security is enhanced when setting up a smart home.

Below are some of the tips to help a homeowner wishing to set up a secure smart home.

1. Multi-factor Authentication

Many of the smart home appliances on the user’s network use passwords. The username and password need to be updated as there are other secured ways of verifying login credentials. Multi-factor authentication is currently the best method for protecting devices. This is accomplished either by using a password in conjunction with a short-term secret code that is instantly texted to the user or by using a small key card that is included with the device. Therefore, the user stands up to the scrutiny of the gadget to let the service providers know the owner is present when setting it up.

Most smart devices already include multi-factor authentication by default, which is a good thing. If a device does not have this feature, the users should immediately enable the fuction by getting third-party apps like Authy or Google Authenticator. Authy adds two-factor authentication to the network or device.

Even though most IoT systems have two-factor authentication built into the mobile apps connected to each device, having an additional layer of security provided by a service like Authy can offer any homeowner a sense of security.

2. Use Super Strong Passwords

There are other places where the user needs to have a very strong password, particularly the Wi-Fi router. For instance, one should first register an account and sign in to use IoT devices. The devices typically have mobile apps that require those login credentials. Create unique credentials for each account and app on an IoT device. This ensures that even if one device’s password is stolen, the others are still secure.

The obvious drawback is having to remember a lot of passwords. Writing the password word down is not recommended, as the details can leak or get into the wrong hands. A password management system, which can store an unlimited number of unique passwords, create new ones, and even sync the passwords between different devices, is a better option than writing down all the information.

3. Employ a Next-generation Firewall (NGFW)

The firewall that comes with the router might need to be more as such a firewall lacks crucial security components like SSL/SSH interception, an intrusion prevention system (IPS), content filtering, QoS management, malware protection, and VPN.

A next-generation firewall is a platform for an integrated network that integrates a traditional firewall with additional security features. An NGFW is a powerful tool for detecting and defending against cyberattacks. The level of protection boost for a smart home justifies the relatively high cost of next-generation firewalls as an investment.

4. Always Update Your Devices

Users should regularly update security systems, door locks, and smart thermostats, similarly to updating computers and smartphones. Smart home device software may need to be updated to add new features or fix security flaws found by the manufacturer. Always accept any updates a device requests, and if possible, enable automatic updates. Go to the manufacturer’s website for details on getting updates if a device connected to your smart home never requests one. Homeowners should select a new device that pushes all updates automatically when making a purchase. To find out how frequently updates are made available for the device, check its online history. The more frequently, the more the security is enhanced.

5. Upgrade Your Router

The biggest security hole in a smart home is the wireless router, but the gadget is also the best line of protection against hackers. The user should ensure the network password is strong, avoid using a name that can be easily identified and keep the firmware up-to-date. Also, one needs to purchase a new router if the current one is over five years old; this will increase security and probably result in faster speeds. Make sure the new router has WPA2-level security.

6. Use a VPN

A homeowner can safeguard privacy by blocking outsiders from eavesdropping on smart homes using a VPN on the router. The VPNs will all function properly on the router and offer the user a safe, encrypted internet connection, provided that the router is VPN-compatible. The VPN ensures that no one, not even the ISP, can see any of the activities on the smart devices connected through the VPN-enabled router. This is useful if an individual wants to keep the content watched on a smart TV private or to avoid anyone being able to see what smart devices are owned at home or information sent over the internet.

7. Disable Unused Features

The convenience of controlling smart home appliances from anywhere is one of these homes’ best features. This convenience is practical but gives hackers a simple entry point. As a general rule, turn off unused IoT features to reduce potential entry points for hackers. These consist of voice control, Bluetooth connections, and unused remote access. Disabling these features is still wise, even if the prospective exploit seems impossible. No one can take advantage of or penetrate unused features when disabled.

8. Get a Premium Support Plan

The user should consider having a third-party security service provider for enhanced and guaranteed security against high-level threats. Most IoT manufacturers provide premium support plans with more enhanced security features.

Definitions of Terms

Alexa: This voice assistant created by Amazon uses artificial intelligence.

Nest: One of the most well-designed items available is Google Nest. Nest features Google assistance, one of the top voice recognition and response systems available. Google Assistance understands commands better, provides more accurate responses and has more casual conversations.

The Internet of Things (IoT): IoT is the interconnection of different objects with sensors, software, and electronic parts with the Internet to allow for communication, interaction, and information transfer.

Router: A gadget connected to the modem broadcasts the Internet connection across the Wi-Fi network.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi denotes wireless internet access. Wi-Fi is a commonly used and accepted communication protocol that enables device communication.

Bluetooth: Bluetooth is a wireless communication technology that enables close-range communication between electronic devices.

Automations: A management tool is used to schedule its devices. You must decide the circumstance and the response it will cause before you can create automation.

Final Thoughts

The best way to ensure protection when a home is equipped with smart home technology is to take control of the home’s security. The homeowner can significantly reduce the risk of cybersecurity threats to a home and IoT devices by putting the security recommendations in this post into practice.

Remember that a smart home can experience numerous issues with just one rogue device or unsecured entry point. Regarding the luxurious lifestyle of advanced and reliable control using voice, remote access, and automation, great power also entails considerable responsibility.