The dawn of connected devices today plays a significant role in everyday life. Also referred to as the Internet of Things or IoT, it can be used in everything from refrigerators to kettles, speakers, televisions, doorbells, and even bulbs. It is improving the way we live by connecting the devices we’re using. It’s straightforward to give remote control to a single device, thus turning your household into a connected home.
These days, we’ve seen the industry saturated with connected devices. Almost everything has been revamped and is now smarter. It is estimated that global IoT investment is projected to hit $1.2 billion in 2022. Ericsson predicted that IoT cellular connections would exceed 3.5 billion by 2023.
In this modern era of connected homes, any device like the heating system, door locks, and blinds can be linked to a single control over the Internet. That allows you to have full control of your household. The connected home can make life better and more satisfying. It still comes with a drawback, though. By linking your home networks to the Internet, you’re making it possible to be exposed to the current trends in cybersecurity.
How Safe Is Your Connected Home?
The connected home poses a variety of forms of security risks. Most households have a single network-one router designed as a single access point. Having this in a connected home could pose a significant danger. All smart devices must be regarded as ‘dirty’ and must be linked to a different network. This network should be something most secure.
Experts agree that with IoT systems, you should not expect what happens ‘if’ your system is compromised, instead focus on ‘when’ because many are easy to hack and provide minimal security. Connecting smart devices on a different network means that once an attacker gets access to one, the scenario that might happen is that they will communicate to other IoT connected devices. Likewise, the possible damage to this attack will be ring-fenced.
Anything from light bulbs, doorbells, and thermostats to refrigerators and even the door locking system can now be equipped as a smart machine connected to the Internet. As you gradually take the step in embracing these modern innovations that enhance the way you live your life, you also need to be prepared to take advantage of them and face cybersecurity challenges you might encounter along the way.
Possible Cyber Threats You Have To Face In A Connected Home
Your home network may not always be safe, and any information stored on that network may be open to a hacker. For example, a cybercriminal might monitor your history of use for different devices and quickly determine whether you’re away from home.
There are also possible dangers of making a system capable of capturing anything it hears. It dramatically outweighs the benefits of telling a speaker to order a pizza or find the latest movie hit with ease. Manufacturers may make promises of any gadget’s security with listening capabilities, such as smart speakers like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home, it should not be blatantly accepted into anyone’s home.
If your home network is managed from only a single system or your main internet account, it is not just the information from your IoT devices that may be at stake. Your private details, including passwords, your social media profiles, and even your bank accounts, could be breached through any vulnerability in your connected home’s system.
Protecting Your Connected Home
- Change The Default Username And Password
Hackers who choose to establish botnets employ brute-force attacks to establish default login credentials and bypass your connected home devices. Your connected devices will then be added to the IoT botnet system. To prevent this from happening and stop being part of the IoT botnet chain, you need to make sure you update your credentials. Don’t use funny, insecure passwords. Utilize strong passwords that are tough to penetrate and, most of all, do not use weak passwords that are too easy to predict, such as your birthday or pet name.
- Isolate Your Smart Home Network
That is reasonably simple to do by establishing guest networks for your connected home’s IoT systems. For instance, when your smart speaker is compromised, cybercriminals can still make it part of a botnet that spreads malware or mines cryptocurrencies. Nevertheless, because it has its network, it would not be able to reach your bank account or email.
- Secure Your Smart Hub
Some of you may be using smart hubs, which are the keys to controlling all of your smart home appliances. And yeah, if an intelligent hub is compromised, that means an attacker will obtain access to all the gadgets attached to it and theoretically steal your data and mayhem from your household.
Have A Strong Password On Your Router
Switching the name will deter hackers from guessing the computer or network you’re using. You can use the WPA authentication to establish a secure encryption network. Your system could be a portal for intruders to invade your smart home. That is why it is necessary to learn how to improve your connected home network security.
- Use strong security software
Shy away from the possible infestation of malware or virus infection. Install reliable security software that will make your home security healthy and shield you from any cyberattacks.
- Apply Security Updates Promptly
Preferably, IoT vendors should immediately apply software patches. However, if you need to update the devices manually, do not prolong the step.
- Implore 2FA When Possible
Two-factor and biometric authentication methods are several secure solutions that offer additional layers of security.
Final Thoughts
Your connected devices are a possible security gap in your network. Thus, wherever the opportunity is viable, hackers scarcely waste a chance to mess with your gadgets and data. That is why both IoT suppliers and users need to do their best to keep up with cybersecurity threats.
No one can deny that smart devices, while incredibly efficient, are not without threats. However, these devices can be treated with fear. Customers just need to know what they’re buying to make deliberate judgments on whether the beneficial effects go above the dangers. Some technological innovations are well worth the comfort, and they can also improve your house’s cyber protection. On the other hand, no matter how much more comfortable they make life, some devices are probably best off your home and stay on their shelf.
