Securing Your Smart Home From Hacking Vulnerabilities

There is a huge security risk in the internet of things. Everything from smart cameras, locks to hubs controlling them are all potential hacking targets. Read on to make sure you take the right measures to ensure your smart home isn't an easy target, as well as important things to look for when choosing the best smart home integrator!

Let's face it, smart homes are 100% the future. There is no escaping it! Even old homes will eventually all get makeovers to become smart homes at some level. In fact, the average household will have 20 connected devices by 2025, according to research from Parks Associates. This is significantly higher than the 12 per home in 2020 and six per home just ten years ago.

Each device is designed with a specific purpose and security in mind, but the big issue is that the network as a whole becomes vulnerable. Device manufacturers think about their specific devices' security and do a good job designing for them - however, often they don't consider how this impacts an entire network of connected devices which leaves these networks exposed.

Are you worried about the security of your smart home devices? Hackers are searching for vulnerabilities in door locks, cameras and hubs that control them. You'll definitely want to read on if this is a concern for you.

WHAT IS NEEDED TO PROTECT YOUR SMART HOME

The smart home device market has a single, standalone trend. Companies are attempting to find ways for their devices to be part of the connected network and offer greater value without compromising security because having one common protocol ensures that no matter what product is manufactured, it will play well with others on the ecosystem in terms of compatibility.

An IoT device's security can be compromised in the first five minutes of its installation, such as during integration. With reports detailing accounts of some insecure devices that have been exposed, it is critical for integrators to seek out manufacturers who prioritize and proactively implement secure measures within their scoped projects. This is why hiring the right integrator with a very strong team of educated technicians should be a top priority when activating your smart home devices, and consider the longer term vision of security for your family and your personal and financial information rather than the short sightedness of saving a few dollars to DIY.

For example, Z-Wave has a security certification called the S2. The new framework uses just one command instead of three and reduces latency while improving battery life for devices that use it. It's also an upgrade solution so all nodes in the network can be protected from outside threats which improve overall system safety. Z-Wave devices are secured locally for local communication and in the hub or gateway for communicating with cloud functions for business-based devices.

To prevent devices from being hacked, Z-Wave requires end users to authenticate using a QR or pin code on the device level. This ensures that consumer electronics aren't targeted for denial of service attacks and also gives consumers more control over who has access to their home network especially when it's time for them sell a house.

WHAT YOUR SMART HOME INTEGRATOR SHOULD BE DOING FOR YOU

The main concern for customers is network security. Therefore, it's important for your professional integrator to emphasize the benefits of smart home technology but also explaining how your they will prioritize network security and physical safety throughout the entire process of integration and beyond. If you have questions along this journey, your integrator should be there to help guide you in taking additional actions such as how to reset passwords and checking for vulnerabilities, in addition to properly locking doors or checking windows that will further secure your home.

The security dealers and integrator you choose should easily be able to explain their steps you regarding how you can better protect your home network, like further securing WiFi. A good integrator should promote the benefits of secure networking for business owners and remote workers working from home who are concerned about protecting themselves from cyberattacks as well as mitigating liability risks. An excellent first step is explaining how security works on a wireless router by discussing strong passwords with users that they create which is an effective way to prevent outside access not only through WiFi but also internet connections in general, especially if your network is shared by others in any way.

In order to keep your home network safe, good security dealers and integrators can offer a value-add service by helping enable two-factor authentication on all of the smart devices that have just been installed. Two factor authentication helps protect individual items and secure access into accounts in multiple ways: requiring users provide another form of identification, such as their phone number or email address; protecting against suspicious activity like login attempts from an unknown device via alerts sent to existing account holders; and increasing overall protection for networks with additional safeguards in place.

Many companies release updates to devices when connected to WiFi. But there are some that need users to manually select "update" buttons for the process. These types of devices require monitoring in order ensure vulnerabilities have been patched and all features work properly on deployed units, which can often be difficult with aging software/hardware combinations like these ones present a challenge in today's industry as well as cybersecurity challenges associated with old hardware and operating systems not being updated automatically by its manufacturer or vendor any longer.

Smart security systems are capable of protecting clients from both digital and physical intruders. One difference between older and more advanced models is that they have stronger protocols to keep out hackers, in addition to other types of visitors like burglars or vandals.

Here at GenX Security Solutions, we understand the relationship between securing the individual devices we are deploying for our smart home customers, as well as the network as a whole. Along with our 5-star track record throughout the Upstate, we are absolutely the best equipped integrator to provide you with the highest level of service today and for many years to come.

Give us a call or send us a quick contact form for a fast, fair, and always FREE quote for your smart home security integration needs. We also partner with builders and general contractors on outfitting custom homes and entire new home communities with smart home features! Ask us how today!

Visit us at www.genXsecurity.com or give us a call at 866-598-4369.

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