It's not easy to stay safe when you use Internet-enabled devices.
Whether it's hackers trying to gain unauthorized access to your laptop, companies have insecure databases that allow criminals to steal your credit card details. Should you throw away your loyalty cards after the Starbucks hack? Should you get rid of your loyalty cards after the Starbucks hack? As criminals look for ever more cunning ways to obtain data and obtain anything of value, loyalty cards and gift cards are in danger of becoming the latest proxy in the ongoing war. Read More Home security systems may not be as secure as you think. Home security systems may not be as secure as you think. Here we take a look at some of the most notable smart home security hacks. - Exploring what happened and why it happened. Read More
This is especially true when a greater number of homes become “smart”; everything from garage door openers 4 ways a smart garage door opener will simplify your life 4 ways a smart garage door opener will simplify your life Garages are great, garage doors are frustrating. Smart garage door openers can help. Read More Many of these devices will make your life easier, but they also bring a new area of vulnerability into your life.
It is impossible to completely eliminate dangers, some things will always be out of your control. However, there are a few simple steps you can take to help keep you safe as the number of Internet-enabled devices in your home grows.
Most plug-and-play Internet-connected smart devices in your home will come with a default password selected by the manufacturer.
This is troublesome. First of all, they are extremely simple and easy to guess (like “0000”, “password”, or the name of the manufacturer). Second, they are not unique, and third, they are widely available online or by calling the manufacturer.
The simplicity is intentional:if you need to reset your device for any reason, you should be able to easily access it again. If the passwords were complicated and unique, the manufacturer would not be able to provide support so easily. It could render your device useless.
This “default password” problem extends to many Internet-enabled devices in the home. Devices like smart CCTV systems, smart baby monitors, and smart lighting systems are all vulnerable.
The result is that you should make sure to change the default password as soon as you buy a new smart device. Most device instruction manuals should give you clear instructions, but if in doubt, search online or contact the supplier; don't let the problem pass you by..
Of course, there is very little point in changing the default password to something equally weak. Passwords that contain a family member's name, your pet's name, your favorite sports team, or an important date are almost as bad.
In fact, any simple password is bad. How to Generate Strong Passwords That Match Your Personality How to Generate Strong Passwords That Match Your Personality Without a strong password, you could quickly find yourself on the receiving end of a cybercrime. One way to create a memorable password could be to match it to your personality. Read more . Even if they can't be cracked by trial and error, there are plenty of other methods hackers will try, most of which will work more effectively with weak credentials.
For example, many brute force attacks use the dictionary and simply loop through the words. It means that if you chose a famous phrase (AllForOneAndOneForAll) or even a random combination of words (CheesePinkSurfFence), you could find yourself at the end of a trick.
Instead, it's vital to use a combination of random letters, numbers, and special characters (srv38bz23!£%g).
Clearly, passwords of this nature aren't memorable, but don't let that stop you, try using a password manager like LastPass.
Stop and think about whether you really need to connect a device to the Internet or not.
As an example of a smart TV, how necessary is it that you connect it to your Wi-Fi network? With so many devices that can access the Internet in a typical home, couldn't you just use the TV for its old purpose and nothing else?
This may seem like it defeats the purpose of a smart TV, but when you consider some of the data it collects, you'll see that it might be prudent.
There was obviously controversy over Samsung smart TVs. “listening” Samsung's latest smart TVs have sold out in 1984. By George Orwell. Samsung's latest smart TVs have been sold out in 1984. A new feature in Samsung's latest smart TVs has put the Korean giant in some hot water. Turns out they've been listening to everything you've been saying... Read More If you look at the terms and conditions of a typical smart TV today, you'll see that it logs where, when, how you watch TV, sets tracking cookies, logs the apps you use, and monitors which sites you visit. Also, some smart TVs now come with built-in webcams (which can be hacked) and microphones. They are a security nightmare.
If you like the supposed benefits of smart TVs but don't want to expose yourself to these threats, try using an Apple TV vs. Apple TV streaming media device. Chromecast:Which Casting Solution Is Right For You? AppleTV vs. Chromecast:Which Streaming Solution Is Right For You? You know you want an Apple TV or a Chromecast. The problem is that you're not sure which... Read More
Most of us tend to use a single Wi-Fi network in our homes, connecting all of our devices to that single access point. Current thinking suggests that this is naive. Instead, we should use multiple networks and group our devices together.
This is simpler than it seems. 10 Common Misconceptions About Wireless Networks 10 Common Misconceptions About Wireless Networks Today, we're going to bring networking to the fore and discuss 10 of the most common misconceptions about your home Wi-Fi network. Read more; Most modern routers have the ability to support multiple SSIDs (Network Names), you just need to go into the backend of the device to configure them.
Once you've configured a few, choose which devices should go to which network. For example, you can set up your computers and printers on one network, your mobile devices on another, your games and entertainment devices on another, etc.
This has two benefits:First, if a hacker breaks into your network, they won't have free reign on all your devices. Second, it means that you can create a closed network that is not connected to the Internet. This is useful for devices like smart baby monitors that need to "talk" to each other within your home, but have no real requirements to access the wider internet.
We spend a great deal of time and money making our homes physically safe 14 Effective Home and Self Defense Gadgets for Women Living Alone 14 Effective Home and Self Defense Gadgets for Women Living Alone Statistics show that men are more at risk, but women are generally disadvantaged by the size and strength of intruders. Here are devices that can help single women put the odds in their favor. Read more . There is a cost to alarm systems, window bars, security lights and expensive locks, but it is a cost that many people are willing to pay.
Even if you don't spend a lot of money on home security, you wouldn't dream of going out and leaving your front door unlocked and your windows open. However, if you don't follow the steps above, that's effectively what you're doing.
What advice can you pass on to your fellow readers? How to keep your smart home safe?
We'd love to hear from you. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below .
