Here’s how you can protect your sensitive information when using smart home devices.
Today, the average American home is filled with smart devices. Whether it be a smart security system, a smart TV, or even a smart fridge, you probably have some type of smart appliance in your home. Unfortunately, many homeowners are not aware of the cybersecurity risks associated with smart home devices. To ensure that your private information stays safe, here are some of the precautions you should take.
- Set Up a Separate Network
Most homeowners use their home’s main Wi-Fi network to run everything from personal computing devices to appliances like smart fridges. Because smart appliances and other home automation devices typically do not have as many security measures in place, a hacker can use these weak links to access your home’s main Wi-Fi network. This threatens more important items like your computers, laptops, smartphones, and so on. To protect the information stored on your personal computing devices, you should set up a separate network specifically for your smart home appliances. This way, if a hacker does target these less-secure devices, your more important items are still safe.
- Turn Off Cameras and Microphones
Many smart TVs and voice-controlled devices have cameras and microphones that can record you without you knowing. If a hacker gains access to these devices, then they can secretly watch and listen to you and your family. To prevent this terrifying scenario, make sure that you always manually switch off the cameras and microphones on your devices when they are not in use.
- Update Devices Frequently
Manufactures of internet-connected devices are always on the lookout for emerging threats and weaknesses in their defenses. They are quick to respond to vulnerabilities by releasing device updates that fix bugs and improve user security. To ensure that you have the most updated security measures in place, update all your devices as prompted.
These are some of the steps that you should take to protect your private information at home. Want another way to make your home safe for yourself and your loved ones? Then make sure you have the right homeowners insurance protections in place. For assistance with all your home coverage, contact the experts at Steve Wilk Insurance. Check out our new office today at 310 S Main Street, Suite C, Lombard, IL 60148.