ADT® Authorized Dealer Serving Kennewick & Surrounding Areas
December 05, 2022

Is There A Reason To Be Concerned About Smart Home Hacking In Kennewick?

In many ways, smart devices like surveillance systems and video doorbells have boosted our home security. We are able to receive alerts if a visitor walks up to our front porch, and we can even have video segments sent to us when suspicious movements are found. Having implements we can communicate with over the internet alerts us to prospective threats instantaneously. But there is one chief drawback. The simple access we enjoy is also creating a pathway for virtual intrusions.

While you shouldn’t get yourself in a panic fretting over smart home hacking in Kennewick, you should be aware of the potential danger and take action to avoid it.

Methods To Protect Yourself From Smart Home Hacking

It would seem that nearly everything is connected to the internet today - home security equipment, televisions, and even your kitchen appliances like microwaves and refrigerators. The issue is that this generates more pathways for virtual villains to break into your network. That doesn't mean you have to eschew wireless home security systems or other smart appliances. Rather, abide by these tips and do your part to keep intruders out of your network.


  • Use hard-to-crack passwords: This is a must for all accounts, especially your wireless configuration. Use lower and upper casing and a blend of letters, special characters, and numbers. Avoid birth dates, full words, or anything else hackers may easily determine. A password creator will provide something completely random and password management software may aid you in keeping tabs on your various accounts.


  • Avoid default settings: When you first unbox that new router, it will probably come with a preset password to facilitate the setup. Change it. Hackers may have these default settings as well. Establishing your wireless network and new router properly at the start is vital in keeping you protected.


  • Set up separate networks: Why have your smart range, your security sensors, and your home computer on one network? Most routers allow you to initiate a different guest network. Take advantage of it and shield personal information present on your laptop, desktop, and phone.


  • Consider installing a firewall: Firewalls aren’t merely for business settings. They may also be used on personal network. Firewalls will keep an eye on what’s happening on your network and block questionable activity. You could start with a router that offers an incorporated firewall.


  • Use the most up-to-date encryption standards and security protocols: If you own a newer router, you may have the ability to incorporate WPA3, the current wireless security protocol. If that’s not an option, WPA2 with AES encryption will be sufficient. You need to install home security devices that use 128-bit encryption or higher.


  • Ensure firmware and software is up-to-date: Keep your software and firmware up to date for all devices, including your integrated video cameras. Many times, these updates will fix known issues and bolster your network’s security.
 

Beware of Cheap Smart Home Devices In Kennewick

Respected brands like ADT and Google have their reputation to uphold and are more likely to fix a security flaw in their equipment. Other lesser-known options may not be quite as diligent. Buying your smart thermostat, video doorbell, surveillance system, and other items from a single reputable company like ADT is a wise choice. And deciding to have all of your systems installed at once will help ensure flawless implementation, performance, and security. It’s also good to know that ADT Command, the hub of your security system, employs two-way encryption when engaging with with your integrated devices.

Request Your Own Kennewick Home Security System

Since you now have more knowledge on how to keep your private network shielded from hackers, you’re ready to begin designing your own smart home security system in Kennewick. The security specialists at Secure24 Alarm Systems are ready to customize the right package for your property. Contact us at (509) 240-8704 or fill out the form to upgrade your home’s protection.