Is There A Reason To Worry About Smart Home Hacking In Pittsburgh?

In many ways, smart components like security cameras and video doorbells have made our lives more secure. We have the ability to receive alerts whenever a stranger arrives at our front door, and we may even have video segments delivered to us when dubious movements are detected. Having devices we are able to access through the internet advises us to developing hazards immediately. But there is one primary disadvantage. The access we enjoy is also opening a door online invasions.

Even though you don’t need to lay awake at night worrying about smart home hacking in Pittsburgh, you should be cognizant of the risk involved and take action to avoid it.

Ways To Prevent Smart Home Hacking

Just about anything can be linked to the internet these days - your home’s security components, light bulbs, and even your range. This also creates more pathways for virtual villains to invade your network. That doesn't mean you have to avoid wireless home defense systems or other smart appliances. Instead, abide by these suggestions and do what you can to keep prowlers away from your network.

• Use hard-to-crack passwords: This is a necessity for any account, including your home’s wireless network. Use upper and lower casing and a blend of letters, numbers, and acceptable special characters. Avoid birth dates, anniversaries, or other options hackers might easily guess. A password generator will provide something completely random and a password management tool can help you track your various passwords and accounts.
  
  
  
• Change default settings: When you first unbox your new router, it’s likely to come with a preset password to facilitate the setup. Don’t forget to update it. Hackers are likely to have these default passwords too. Configuring your wireless network and home router properly from day one is vital in keeping you secure.
  
  
  
• Consider separate networks: Why include your smart fridge, your home security components, and the laptop you use for work on the same network? The majority of routers allow you to initiate a different guest network. Be sure to use it and safeguard private information present on your desktop, laptop, and phone.
  
  
  
• Install a firewall: Firewalls aren’t just for business settings. They can also be incorporated into your private network. Firewalls are able to watch what’s happening on your network and thwart suspect activity. You could opt for a router including an integrated firewall.
  
  
  
• Use the top encryption settings and security protocols: If you have a new router, you might have the ability to use WPA3, the latest wireless security protocol. If that’s not available, WPA2 with AES encryption will do the job. You ought to look for home security components that protect with 128-bit encryption or higher.
  
  
  
• Be certain software and firmware is up-to-date: Keep your software and firmware at the latest levels for all equipment, and that includes your networked camera surveillance. Frequently, these updates will patch vulnerabilities and tighten up your network’s security.

Be Wary of Cheap Smart Home Equipment In Pittsburgh

Respected brands like ADT and Google have their reputation to maintain and will take steps to remedy a security flaw in their components. Other off-the-shelf products may not be quite as diligent. Getting your video cameras, smart thermostat, video doorbell, and other smart devices from a single supplier like ADT is a wise choice. And deciding to have all of your systems installed at the same time will help ensure seamless integration, security, and performance. It’s also good to know that ADT Command, your centralized touchscreen, uses two-way encryption when engaging with with your smart equipment.

Customize Your Own Pittsburgh Wireless Home Security Package

As you now have a better idea on how to keep your private network secure, you’re ready to get started on your own home defense system in Pittsburgh. The security experts at Secure24 Alarm Systems will help you customize the ideal package for your property. Call (412) 230-3668 or fill out the form to take your protection to a new level.