Smart Home, Dumb Security? The Truth About IoT Devices
Somewhere between switching your coffee to half-caf and trying to figure out TikTok, you may have dipped a toe or entire foot into the smart home world. Think Ring doorbell, Nest thermostat, Google Home and your smart TV for a start. Apartment or house, size doesn’t really matter. Hackers don’t discriminate against your 850 sq ft new digs or 12,000 sq ft whopping investment money pit … they just want in!
Welcome to the future. Today we can tell your house to turn on the lights, lower the thermostat, play smooth jazz and spy on your pets all without lifting a finger. Yes, these wonderful Internet of Things (IoT) devices are super convenient, but IoTs aren’t always built with strong security in mind. If a device doesn’t have good protection, it can be hacked. Some guy halfway across the globe could use your Wi-Fi to check out your emails and get details on your bank accounts. They could peek in through your security camera, listen (and talk …creepy!) through your baby monitor or just keep it mildly annoying and slow down your internet with junk traffic or turn your home into a sauna.
Maybe your teen gave you an Alexa because they were tired of you yelling, “Hey Google, turn up the volume” at your bluetooth speaker. However you got to the land of smartness, your gadgets might be clever but your security settings may be stuck in 2005. So how do we prevent the midlife crisis your Wi-Fi didn’t ask for?
– “Admin” is not a password … it’s an invitation. If your smart speaker, router or security cam is still set to the factory default, you’re officially easier to hack. Choose a password that you need to write down. And I’m not talking about ones that are easy to remember like “ILoveMyCat123.”
– Educate yourself on all aspects of smart home technology. Your smart plug doesn’t need your location and microphone access.
– Different devices on a shared network all need different passwords. Huge tip: use your guest Wi-Fi for all of your smart devices.
– Don’t buy off-brands with three reviews. Just because ElectroZing sounds like something fun out of The Jetsons, that new toaster oven can wreak havoc on your life.
– If your fridge has Wi-Fi, a touchscreen and your social security number, it might be time to re-evaluate. That almond milk that is getting low may cost you the depletion of your bank account. Just because your new condo comes with one that can connect to the internet doesn’t mean that it has to!
– Keep your devices updated. They have trust issues, too.
– If you ever see a message like “Unknown device connected to your network” … immediately take action!
Yeah, smart tech is awesome but if it’s not protected, it can cause more problems than it solves. Be smart about your smart stuff! Guard Well Identity Theft Solutions exists to provide you, your family and your employees from the damages of identity theft. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Member Services team immediately. We are always available for you 24/7/365 at 888.966.4827 (GUARD).