HOT TREND
Security in the Age of the Smart Home
BY KEITH BARTHOLOMEW
Smart home technology is a wonderful convenience for
many homeowners. It can add security and peace of
mind with features like the ability to remotely view live
surveillance footage, alarm/disarm a security system or even
lock doors—all using a smart phone.
But peace of mind can quickly turn to worry if
homeowners think someone with malicious intent can access
their systems.
Whether homeowners hire a home technology pro or use
DIY options for smart home technology, it’s important to
make sure both home networks and
the devices on them are secure. This
is especially true with the equipment
that makes up a home network, e.g.
modems, routers, wireless access
points, etc.
AT HOME ON CAPE COD • SPRING/SUMMER 2020 73
If the network itself isn’t secure,
everything on it is open to attacks. In
fact, attackers search for networks and
devices that are not properly secured.
The best way homeowners can
ensure a safe network is to use a
qualified, experienced home technology professional who
knows network security best practices. On a secure network,
Internet-connected devices in a home are behind a firewall
and can’t be accessed from the outside. In some cases, a
trained pro can prevent attackers from even knowing a
network exists.
Hiring a professional isn’t an option for all homeowners,
but there are still things people can do to secure their homes.
Use Built-In Security Features
One mistake people make is to leave equipment on default
settings and then expect it to be secure. Manual configuration
of built-in security features is something every homeowner
should do. These features are designed to help protect
networks and equipment from attacks. During initial setup
of any device, check the manual, or with the manufacturer, to
take advantage of advanced security configurations.
Cloud-based Logins
Another best practice is to always use a cloud-based login or
app over those that require direct firewall throughput. There’s
no reason to open ports in a firewall if it can be avoided. Some
older devices simply can’t do this. Examples include older
DVRs used to record surveillance video or older home control
software. If a device like this is more than five years old,
homeowners should look into replacing it.
Keep It Updated
It’s important to keep software updated. People understand the
importance of keeping anti-virus software up to date, but tend
to put off updates to other things. If an Internet-connected
device or a device’s operating system has an update available, do
it. The latest versions of any software have security features that
weren’t in previous versions.
Keeping hardware up-to-date is just as important.
Sometimes, with older devices, software updates are no longer
possible. The software and security features on older devices are
not nearly as good as today’s. Software
security evolves quickly, and so does the
technology used by hackers. If a piece of
Internet-connected hardware in a home
is more than five years old, it might be
time for an update.
It’s always a good idea to ask a
home technology pro if it’s time for a
device to be updated. This is especially
true for older home security systems
with analog modems. Hackers can
access these simply by dialing in.
Another good reason to upgrade older security systems is the
“new” ability to tie in things like carbon monoxide and smoke
detectors, or to get alerts if there’s water in the basement.
Security From the Outside
Sometimes, things homeowners do when they’re away from their
homes can cause a security breach or give hackers access. The
following “safety rules” are good practices for everyone to follow.
• Don’t use unsecured public networks. Again, if a network
isn’t safe, no device on it is safe.
• Don’t use public networks for anything important
• Never enter user names and passwords—or any personal
information—on a public network
• If your laptop or device offers security settings for public
networks, turn them on/check the box
• Enable two-factor authentication whenever it’s an option
• For apps, devices, etc. shared by family members, don’t share
login credentials if there’s an option for individual users
• Use strong passwords and change them often
• Educate yourself to recognize phishing attempts
While the thought of a hacker gaining control of a home’s
technology is scary, homeowners are installing smart home
technology more than ever before. The question many homeowners
ask isn’t if they should install the technology, but how to keep it safe.
Keith Bartholomew founded Advanced Communication
Technologies, a home technology provider in Norwell.