Now that you can conveniently control all your own devices remotely with an internet connection through your mobile, you think your home is secure. Yes, it is, but you likely have unconsciously exposed your personal information to people who might want to misuse them. How come? Well, it’s still through those smart devices that are keeping your home secure. So there is a need for a more secure home and this article details a few ways you can do this.
-
Enable Ambient Sensing Technology
Whether you are the proprietor, an Airbnb host, or a tenant, if you want to make your already smart home more secure, you should really consider employing the use of Ambient Intelligence(AmI). Ambient sensing technology combines artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things(IoT). It focuses on human behaviors and the state of their surrounding environments in the real world and then digitizes them immediately. Ambient sensing is so potent that it can detect any kind of movement or voice, especially from humans. An ambient light sensor can possibly even interact with smart light bulbs so they can turn on and off when they detect movement. In fact, ambient sensors can be installed in already mounted detectors of any kind, whether cameras, video doorbells, or window sensors such that you can monitor every movement within and outside your home.
-
Have A Separate Wi-Fi Network
Most smart devices require you to input sensitive personal data while setting them up so it is quite important to create a separate Wi-Fi network for the smart devices within your home. Since the latest routers allow you to set up a secondary network, you can isolate your smart devices from your main devices. If you use the same network for all your devices, it may be compromised and put you at risk but if you use a separate network for your IoT devices, it becomes almost impossible for hackers to gain access, especially with a strong, unique password.
-
Strong Passwords Are Key
If an intruder gets hold of your passwords, they can disrupt your whole security system. Most smart home devices come with easy and weak default passwords. Make sure to change them immediately after purchasing the device. Secure your Wi-Fi router and all other connected devices with long, difficult, and unique passwords that cannot easily be guessed by cyber-criminals. If you are finding it difficult to come up with a strong password, you can consult a trusted password manager that will not only help you with unique suggestions but also keep them stored safely and sync them between various devices when needed.
-
Update Your Devices
Outdated devices are often easy prey for cybercriminals. Device updates enable security patches that can enhance your network security considerably. Regularly conduct a manual check on all your smart devices to know if they need updating because most IoT devices do not automatically update. So you have to constantly check out for updated options and do so immediately when one pops up. This can help secure your device thereby making your home a more secure place to live in. If you are building a new house, it would be advisable to use 3D Interior Designs to visualize the project and make sure that all devices are put where you need them and away from places where you spend a lot of time. This way, besides securing your house, you make sure to create a healthy home environment.
-
Privacy Settings
Manufacturers of smart devices want to collect as much personal data as they can from buyers so that they can optimize their products and make more sales. However, hackers can get hold of these personal data and misuse them. So it is always better to check out the privacy settings on your smart devices and enable the ones that you are comfortable with and can give you optimum privacy.
-
If You Do Not Use a Feature, Deactivate them Immediately
Deactivating some features that you do not use on your smart devices allows you to block any holes that hackers might come through. For instance, if your smart speaker has both Wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity options, disable the one you do not use. Also, most IoT devices can be controlled from anywhere in the world so it is better to disable remote access if you only use them on your own Wi-Fi connection.
Conclusion
Keeping your home secure means that you do not have to worry about intruders having access to your belongings. Even if you already live in a smart home, using this guide will enable you to guard your personal information away from cyber criminals, thereby ensuring a quiet and peaceful life.