How to Make Your Smart Home Devices Safe

Nowadays, with all being interconnected, smart home devices are now an integral part of our daily life. From smart TVs and smart doorbells to fridges and thermostats, almost all devices in our houses can now be operated with a voice command or a click on our phones. It’s so extremely convenient—but that ease of use can be perilous.

Smart home appliances themselves are susceptible to cyber threats if not secured. The unsecure settings can be exploited by cybercriminals to break into your personal information, track your behavior, or even take over your devices. Thus, smart home security cannot be an option anymore—it is a necessity.

In the following guidelines, we’ll describe easy-to-apply, practical tips that you can use to protect your smart home appliances and keep your online life secure.

Why Smart Home Devices Are Vulnerable

Let’s first cover why smart devices are so readily available to cybercriminals before we move on to the solutions.

1. Insecure Default Passwords

Some smart home devices have insecure default passwords such as “admin” or “1234.” Unfortunately, so do hackers, and they like to use them as a quick entry into a network.

2. Lack of Updates

In contrast to your phone or computer, most smart gadgets do not update their software automatically, leaving your vulnerable exposure open.

3. Crummy Encryption

Not everyone prioritizes security. Some gadgets do not encrypt your information well, which means your data is exposed.

4. Many Devices, Many Doors

The more smart gadgets you have, the more “doors” hackers have the potential to break through.

Now that we have an idea of why your devices are exposed, let’s talk about how you can secure screws and enjoy your smart home with no stress.

Step 1: Protect Your Wi-Fi Network

Your smart home can be accessed using your WiFi as the door way. Protecting it is the first and most critical step.

Change Default Router Settings

Your router’s default configurations are usually easily recognizable by hackers. Update the default login credentials to something unique and strong.

Utilize Strong Wi-Fi Passwords

Don’t use weak passwords such as your name or phone number. Create a long password, make it sound unpredictable by making use of random letters, numbers, and special characters.

Activate WPA3 Encryption

If your router has this feature, activate WPA3 encryption temporarily. If not, WPA2 is secure—but don’t use outdated standards like WEP.

Set Up a Standalone IoT Network

You might want to set up a “guest” or “IoT” network just for your intelligent devices. Then if one gets compromised, the intruder won’t directly have access to your personal devices such as phones or computers.

Turn Off WPS

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is easy but not always safe. Turn it off. This will reduce the chances of being accessed by an unauthorized unknown entity.

Step 2: Keep Device Firmware Up to Date

Firmware updates usually include security patches to correct known vulnerabilities. Most smart devices are unfortunately not configured to automatically update, so you will have to do it yourself.

• Inspect for updates from time to time. You can do this by making use of the device’s app.
• Activate auto-updates if possible. Not all devices allow this, but activate it where possible.
• Replace outdated hardware. Once a company no longer supports a machine with updates, replace it with a newer, more secure machine.

Step 3: Utilize a Strong, Uncompromised Password on All Machines

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is making use of the same password for all your accounts or machines. If a hacker gets the password on one, they can try it on other services that you use.

• Use a password manager. They allow you to create and save strong, distinct passwords.
• Don’t use simple passwords. Your birthday, your pet names, or common words everyone uses is too simple.
• Modify passwords. Specifically those with your smart home devices.

Step 4: Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Where you can, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your login credentials associated with your smart home devices. This provides an additional layer of protection by introducing an additional source of verification, such as a code sent to your phone.

Even if the hacker gets your password, they won’t be able to enter your account without that second step of verification.

Step 5: Disable Features You Don’t Need

Most smart devices have additional features you’ll never use—but they present potential security threats.

• Remote access: Unless you need to access your device remotely from outside your house, disable remote access.
• Microphones and cameras: Some devices include always-listening microphones or cameras. Disable them when not in use.
• Universal Plug and Play (UPnP): This will make devices easy to connect, but it will also expose your network. Turn it off on your router unless you really need it.

Step 6: Always watch your network for any strange behaviour or abnormalities

Watching your network is one of the best things you can do. You don’t need to be a genius technophobe in order to keep an eye on your Wi-Fi for strange activity.

• Router management software: Some routers that are more recent have software which will display to you all of the devices on your network.
• Scan for unknown devices: If there is something connected that you do not know what it is, research it and disconnect it if possible.
• Have security tools in your network: Some routers come with security in the form of firewalls or intrusion detection devices.

Step 7: Purchase Devices from Reputable Companies

It’s easy to part with a few dollars buying that untested brand smart bulb from some online store—but untested or untrusted brands may not prioritize security.

• Use established brands. Established brands will be more likely to post standard security patches.
• Read reviews. Look at what people are saying about the security and stability of the device.
• Investigate privacy policies. Make sure the company will protect and take care of your data.

Step 8: Use Permissions Judiciously

Most smart home apps ask for a huge list of permissions when you download them. Always crosscheck very well before giving access to anything.

• Only grant permissions that are required. A smart light doesn’t require access to contacts, for instance.
• Check app permissions occasionally. You may have given more access than you recognize over time.
• Check privacy settings within the app. Some apps enable you to restrict data collection or sharing.

Step 9: Secure Your Devices Physically

Sometimes it’s not only about digital security—physical access can be an issue as well.

• Keep devices out of view. Particularly cameras and smart hubs—avoid placing them in windows so potential burglars can see them.
• Protect your router. Create a safe place and put it to reduce physical access to it.

Devices outdoors need to be guarded. Cameras or smart doorbells must be installed tamper-proof if at all possible.

Step 10: Educate Everyone in Your House

Security is not just your responsibility—it’s everybody in the family.

• Prepare your family members with basic security habits. Educate them that they shouldn’t share Wi-Fi passwords or install strange apps.
• Develop sound password hygiene as a family. Employ password managers or jot down passwords safely if need be.
• Develop simple guidelines on adding new smart devices. No one should add a new device to the network without ensuring it’s installed securely.

Step 11: Use Firewalls and VPNs

Adding another layer of protection can make a big difference.

• Enable your router’s firewall. This helps filter incoming and outgoing traffic, blocking potentially malicious connections.
• Consider using a VPN. While primarily used for privacy when browsing the internet, a VPN can also protect your smart home traffic, especially if you’re accessing your devices remotely.

Step 12: Backup Important Data

If you’re using smart security cameras or storage devices, regularly back up any critical data to a secure location. That way, even if something happens to your smart device, your important information won’t be lost.

• Cloud storage with unbreakable encryption or external storage should be employed.
• Schedule backups to happen automatically.

Step 13: Be Cautious with Voice Assistants

Smart speakers such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri can be extremely useful—but they do present some privacy risk.

• Reset wake words. This makes it more difficult for guests outside your home to activate your assistant.
• Restrict sensitive activities. Avoid banking and giving out personal details with voice assistants.
• Check voice recordings. Most of the platforms allow you to review or delete recordings kept.

Step 14: Be Cautious of Phishing

Hackers will attempt to access your smart devices in most cases by conning you into giving out personal passwords via false emails or websites.

Be cautious with phishing emails. Do not click on links from strangers.

Double-check sender addresses. Spammers tend to use email addresses that are little more than somewhat different from authentic addresses.

Install security software that includes anti-phishing capabilities.

Step 15: Keep Learning and Stay Up to Date

Cybersecurity is a constantly changing field to target. The techniques employed by hackers changes everyday just as the tech changes.

• Be inquisitive and continue to learn about new methods of attack and self-defense.
• Subscribe to cybersecurity blog or newsletters.
• Visit your device maker’s website occasionally for news or updates.

Final Thoughts

It shouldn’t be hard to manage your smart home devices and you don’t have to be an expert in cyber security to do so—your ordinary home can manage it. The trick is in taking it one step at a time:

1. Begin by securing your Wi-Fi.
2. Employ strong passwords.
3. Update devices.
4. Watch what functionality you may be using and whom you may grant access to.
5. Stay abreast of new threats.

Your home must remain your sanctuary—physically and virtually. By doing these items, you can benefit from smart devices without jeopardizing your security or your privacy.

It’s your house. Claim it.