These days, our homes are becoming smarter and more automated, making life easier and more efficient. But with smart technology comes a higher risk of cyber threats. Every new gadget you bring in can open up a way for hackers to get in.
As we add devices like smart TVs and light bulbs to our homes, it’s important to be aware of the risks that come with them. By understanding the potential threats and taking some simple steps, you can protect your home and personal information from hackers.
This guide provides tips and strategies to keep your smart home safe.
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Top 4 vulnerable gadgets in your home
Many devices in and around your home might appear safe, yet they can be highly susceptible to hacking. Below is a list of four potentially vulnerable devices, along with tips to help you safeguard your privacy.
Smart TVs
Smart TVs are great for entertainment and relaxation, but they can lead to cyberattacks. Cybercriminals can take control of your TV, change channels, adjust the volume, or even show inappropriate content. They can also access your paid streaming services to steal sensitive financial information.
If hackers get into your TV, they can also access other devices in your home, including your home Wi-Fi network. This can lead to even more serious security breaches and data theft.
To stay safe, make sure you secure your Wi-Fi network. In addition, keep your software updated, and change default passwords to strong, unique ones.
If you use a Firestick with your TV, make sure it’s set up and updated to keep it safe. Using a Firestick VPN on your Firestick adds extra protection, especially when using apps that don’t have strong security.
A VPN hides your internet activity, making it harder for hackers or internet providers to see your online activities. It also prevents them from accessing your personal information. This helps keep your streaming habits and private info safe while you enjoy your shows.
Smartphones and tablets
Smartphones are now a big part of our lives, but they’ve also become easy targets for hackers. They hold a lot of personal information, including photos, emails, and financial details. We use our smartphones for important activities such as online shopping and banking, which makes them attractive to cybercriminals.
Smartphones have many of the same security vulnerabilities as computers, such as susceptibility to malware infections and other security threats.
To help protect your smartphone, here are simple steps you can take:
- Use multi-factor authentication (MFA): This authentication method adds extra security, making it much harder for hackers to get into your accounts, even with your password. Research shows that MFA can stop 99.9% of automated attacks.
- Keep your software updated: Regular updates provide your phone with the latest security fixes. Many people ignore these updates, which leaves them open to known threats.
- Download trustworthy security apps: Good antivirus and VPN apps can spot and block harmful software before it does any damage.
- Be careful with strange links and attachments. Phishing scams are becoming more sophisticated. Avoid clicking on suspicious links and attachments, as they could infect your device with malware.
Familiarising yourself with these risks and taking simple steps to protect yourself reduces the chances of your smartphone getting hacked, making it easier to keep your data and privacy safe.
Garage door openers
You might be surprised to know that garage door openers can be easy targets for hackers. Many of these devices have security flaws that skilled hackers can take advantage of. What does this mean? They can get into your garage and possibly your home by exploiting these vulnerabilities!
Older garage door openers used common codes, making them simple to break into. Modern ones have improved by using unique codes and rolling code technology. This means a new code is generated every time you open the door, which boosts security.
To keep your home safe, invest in an updated garage door opener equipped with rolling code technology. This technology reduces the chances of unauthorised entry by changing the access code every time you open the door.
Smart light bulbs
Smart light bulbs might seem like a handy and eco-friendly addition to your home. However, they can come with some serious security risks, as shown in a recent report on a best-selling smart light bulb brand.
This research highlighted a number of vulnerabilities in the popular Tapo L530E smart light bulb, two of them serious. Researchers were able to access home Wi-Fi and the Tapo app by exploiting these weaknesses, which included missing authentication for the bulb and app.
It shows how easily hackers can steal your Wi-Fi password through these seemingly innocent light bulbs. If hackers access the bulbs, they can break into other devices on your network, putting your sensitive information at risk.
Smart bulbs can be infected with malware and become part of a network of hacked devices. Malware can slow down your internet and even enable attacks against other networks. Unfortunately, security is often overlooked with these smart devices because companies use outdated technology to save money.
What can you do? Consider setting up a separate network just for your smart devices. While smart light bulbs are convenient, you should be aware of the cybersecurity risks they pose.
Securing your smart home
Keeping your smart home safe is important for protecting your privacy and personal information. You can reduce the risk of cyberattacks by being aware of the risks and taking proactive steps.
Stay alert for potential security issues and know what security measures each device needs. By doing so, you can enjoy the perks of modern technology while keeping your home and data secure.
Do you have more tips on how to secure your home from hackers? Tell us in the comments so we can all benefit.
