From talking thermostats to doorbell cameras, smart home tech is transforming our living spaces. But with convenience comes risk. The connected nature of these smart devices opens doors to potential security breaches.
The market’s rapid growth is accompanied by rising concerns about data privacy and security. A recent report by Deloitte found that more people than ever worry about smart devices leaving them vulnerable.
These worries are not unfounded. In 2019, Google had to issue guidance to users of its Nest cameras after they were found to be hackable. In this article, we’ll look at what other devices could be at risk and how hackers can take advantage.
What Are Smart Devices?
Smart devices are appliances and systems that connect to the internet and collect data to perform certain tasks. This data can range from room temperature to your weekly shopping list. And it’s valuable to hackers.
Common smart devices include:
- Smart speakers: Examples include Amazon Echo and Google Home. These devices listen to voice commands and respond, potentially capturing sensitive conversations.
- Smart thermostats: They learn your temperature preferences and adjust automatically. But they may leak data that shows whether you’re in the house or out.
- Smart doorbells: Equipped with cameras and microphones, they record visitors and send notifications.
- Smart locks: They offer convenience but require robust security measures.
Potential Smart Home Security Threats
Here are some of the reasons smart devices can pose a threat:
Data Breaches
Vulnerable devices or networks may put personal information or financial details at risk. Bad actors could even control your smart home remotely.
Privacy Concerns
Smart devices collect vast amounts of data about your habits and routines. This raises worries about unauthorised access and potential spam or phishing.
Cybersecurity Attacks
Hackers can use compromised smart devices to launch attacks on other connected equipment within your network.
Boost Security by Protecting Your IP Address
‘What is my IP address?’ you may ask. Understanding this and protecting it is a key step in smart home security.
Your IP address acts as your unique identifier on the internet. It can reveal your location and online activity.
Here’s how a VPN can help to protect against other people accessing your IP address:
Encrypts Your Data
A VPN stops hackers or internet service providers (ISPs) from snooping on your online habits.
Masks Your IP Address
Your actual IP address remains hidden when you connect to a remote server, making it harder for attackers to track you.
Boosts Privacy
With your IP address masked, you benefit from a reduced risk of data collection.
Extra Safety Measures
Protecting your IP address is not a solution to all online security threats. These factors should also be considered to maintain your cyber safety.
- Use unique and complex passwords for each smart device and your home Wi-Fi network. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or names.
- Keep all smart software updated with the latest security patches to address known weaknesses.
- Turn off features on your smart devices that you don’t use, such as microphones or cameras on smart speakers, when not needed.
- Create a separate Wi-Fi network for guests to isolate them from your main network and sensitive data.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of protection.
Combine the use of a VPN with as many of these methods as possible to ensure your smart home remains as secure as possible.