The smart home revolution promises convenience, efficiency, and innovative features that make our lives easier. We are in that time of history where smart tech in homes is paving the way for an enhanced and easy standard of living. However, this connectivity also opens our homes up to new risks if the proper precautions aren't taken. In this blog post, tips are provided for securing your smart home devices and maintaining a safe, protected environment.

Know Your Connected Devices

The first step is taking an inventory of every WiFi-enabled device in your home. It is recommended that you use a WiFi 6E router for extra fast speed. It is a super highway for all your connected devices providing the fastest speed and the most device capacity ever. This includes popular products like smart speakers, thermostats, doorbell cameras, lighting systems, kitchen appliances, and more. You can't secure what you don't know about, so be thorough here. Also document what data each device collects, how it operates, what permissions it requires, and who manufactures it. This information will inform your next actions.

Update Firmware and Passwords

Like any computer device, IoT products rely on software that may contain vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Manufacturers will periodically release firmware updates to patch security holes, so enable auto-updates whenever possible. Additionally, don't use default passwords that came with smart devices. Change them to strong, unique passwords consisting of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.

Isolate IoT Devices

Consider placing smart home devices on a separate WiFi network (SSID) than your personal devices. This isolation tactic makes it harder for hackers to access other important connected equipment like laptops and smartphones if they compromise a vulnerable IoT device. Many routers have built-in features to enable this kind of network segmentation or WiFi support services come in handy in providing solutions regarding bifurcating the network.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

MFA adds an extra layer of account protection by requiring an additional step to sign in beyond just a password. This could involve entering a code sent to your phone or from an authenticator app. Enable MFA on smart home devices and apps, WiFi 6E router admin consoles, and anywhere else it's supported. The minor input inconvenience is worth the enhanced security.

Know Your Privacy Settings

Carefully check the privacy settings on your smart products, asking questions like: What data is it collecting? Is anything transmitted outside my smart home security system? Does it have microphone or camera functionality? Can recordings be accessed? Can settings/permissions be adjusted? What's the manufacturer's data policy? Tweak any available options to match your comfort level.

Consider a Separate Network for Guests 

You likely don't want visitors to your smart home hopping on primary networks and accessing connected devices or information. Consider a specific WiFi network with limited visibility that keeps guests safely contained without missing out on convenience. 

Automate Software Updates

It's easy to delay software updates, but this leaves you vulnerable. Automating the process ensures you always have the latest security patches on smartphones, laptops, and supported smart home gadgets. Most devices let you enable auto-updates for the ultimate in set-it-and-forget-it convenience.

Invest in a Firewall/IDS

A network-based firewall and/or intrusion detection system provides visibility into what data is coming into and going out of your home. It can block unwanted access and alert you about suspicious connections and malware activity slipping past your other defenses. There are many firewall/IDS options available for home networks.

Back Up Your Data

Ransomware attacks that encrypt files and hold them hostage until you pay a ransom are increasingly common. Smart home devices with storage can also fall victim. Maintain regular backups of data to external hard drives kept offline, so you can restore files should the worst happen.

Practice Safe Browsing/Email Habits

Hackers are constantly trying to trick users into clicking links to infect devices or open malware-laden email attachments. Make sure all network users, including kids, understand basic cybersecurity precautions like identifying telltale signs of phishing websites/messages. Enable smart locks if possible to all your connected devices together with strengthening your e-mail defenses.

Consider Cyber Insurance

If you already carry homeowners insurance, check if it covers connected device attacks. If not, look into specialized cyber protection policies tailored specifically for smart home networks and devices to offset losses due to hacking incidents. Cyber insurance will provide you with an additional security net. You will be duly compensated in case something adverse happens.

Automate Smart Home Precautions

Some routers let you automate connectivity restrictions, malware scans, kid controls, and more. The new cutting-edge AI-powered firewall takes things a step further by learning device usage patterns and automatically blocking suspicious access attempts around the clock for comprehensive monitoring. Automated smart home security systems will alarm you of any suspicious activity, ensuring you protect the house effectively. Moreover, you won't need to manually process backdated data to locate suspicious activity.

Conclusion

The smart home revolution delivers transformative convenience at the cost of increased connectivity risks. However, taking the appropriate precautions keeps your network and data secure so you can relax and enjoy all the benefits this technology offers without worry.