HOW TO SECURE YOUR
AUTOMATED HOME
By Robert Hessel
(and for) our homes. As manufacturers do
their best to tackle issues with hackability
or technical flaws, it is important to update
the latest version of their software too.
This can typically be performed in the
Settings section of the menu.
Lack of a First Line Defense –– Similar
to the front lines in a military battle, your
automated home needs a good initial
barrier against hackers seeking out your
data. This type of information liability
includes many account numbers and
passwords. Smartphones are intimately
connected with smart homes, and
smartphones contain a ton of important
data. A home network firewall should be
installed against network intrusion.
Easy Access –– Hackers are getting
smarter every day. Why hand them your
data on a silver platter? Don’t allow
them easy access. A great way to make
it harder is to go a step farther than one
password on your IoT devices. Add an
additional authentication factor beyond
the password. You can use a one-time code
received by text or call or use a security key.
Privacy Leaks from your IP
Address –– Unsecured IoT devices can
leak the internet protocol (IP) address.
A skilled hacker can use this to pinpoint
a residential location. Many IT security
experts recommend securing these devices
by installing virtual private networking
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(VPN) technology on your router.
This encrypts all the traffic going through
it. VPN provides excellent protection for
your automated home network.
Any new technology is going to have its
flaws in the beginning. It is certainly true
for the flood of smart devices entering our
homes in unprecedented numbers. They
are like fledgling birds leaving the nest
and trying to fly. But home automation
is here to stay. The future is bright and
sure to be filled with surprises. The critical
thing for homeowners is to be aware of
and prepared for potential risks.
There are many benefits to home
automation, such as control, cost
efficiency, and convenience to name a
few. It provides us with services options
almost unthinkable a decade ago (except in
science fiction). Taking the time and effort
to secure and protect your home, privacy,
and information will allow you to reap
the benefits you want while giving you
the peace of mind you need at the same
time. Boldly go. And keep the “captain
at the helm” as your home automation
network grows. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: Robert Hessel at Source 1
Solutions can be contacted at (727) 538-4114
or visit source1security.com.
H ome automation has changed
the lives of many homeowners.
The “smart” revolution has
allowed families across the
world to configure electronic devices
and appliances to perform custom tasks.
Targeted to be a balance of convenience
and security, the prevalence of
neighborhoods with smart homes is rising
every day. But how secure are they?
From controlling heating and cooling
to unlocking the doors when your teens
get home from school, there are various
tech devices needed for an automated
home which could present opportunities
for those who have nefarious intentions.
The right information about these
vulnerabilities and what can be done to
address them is your best defense.
Among the problems:
Security Breaches with your Home
Router –– Home automation is dependent
upon a Wi-Fi network controlled by your
home router, becoming the weakest link
when it comes to security breaches. Just
like your computer, the router needs to
be kept updated. Make sure to keep the
software current with the latest version,
including any necessary patches.
Device-level Security –– IoT is racing
quickly forward. From Ring doorbells to
Amazon Echo, the Internet of Things is
bringing a new reality to what we do in
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