The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming our lives by connecting the devices we use. Giving remote control to a single item is simple enough; the first TV remote was produced in the 1950s. However, every gadget, from your hifi and TV to your heating, door locks, and lighting, can now be linked to a single controller via the internet, giving you complete house management.
The linked home has the potential to make your life easier and more enjoyable. It does, however, have a drawback. Connecting your home systems to the internet exposes them to various security dangers.
How does a smart home work?
Smart homes use equipment that can link to the internet and contain small computers that allow them to be managed remotely. These gadgets range in size from a coffee maker to your full heating system.
What distinguishes them from ordinary TV remotes is that they communicate over internet protocol and are all linked via a hub. That may be your home router or your smartphone.
Unlike the TV remote, these devices can capture and store information on your usage, habits, and preferences – either on the device or the network. That data makes your smart home a potential privacy risk, and each gadget you connect to the network introduces a new privacy worry.
Smart home security risks and threats
The connected home presents several types of security threats.
To begin with, individual devices may not be secure. Some IoT home gadgets are hurried to market, and their security may be compromised. In certain circumstances, user manuals fail to address privacy concerns or provide sufficient information to ensure the device’s security. Baby monitors and security cameras, for example, have been hacked, allowing criminals to view inside a home.
Many experts say that when it comes to IoT devices, you should be thinking about what happens ‘when,’ not ‘if,’ because many are easy to hack and provide no protection.
Second, your home network may not be secure, and any data stored on it may be available to intruders. For example, a criminal could follow your device usage patterns to see when you’re away from home.
If your home network is managed through your primary internet account, data from your IoT devices may also be at risk. Any flaw might expose your personal information, including emails, social media accounts, and even bank accounts.
Many customers operate their linked house by smartphone, making it an extremely valuable database for anyone attempting to hack into your life. This puts your phone at risk if it is hacked, stolen, or someone gets to spy on your connection. Ensure that a single susceptible IoT device does not jeopardize your home network security.
If you want to benefit from the advantages of a smart home, you must address potential security issues first.
