ADT® Authorized Dealer Serving The Entire Boston Metro Area
December 05, 2022

Is There A Reason To Worry About Smart Home Hacking In Boston?

In a variety of ways, smart tools like surveillance systems and video doorbells have made our lives more secure. We have the ability to get alerts when someone walks up to our front door, and we can even have video segments sent to us when suspicious activity is happening. Having devices we are able to interact with over the internet warns us of developing threats instantaneously. But there is one primary drawback. The simple access that benefits us is also creating a pathway for hackers.

Even though you don’t need to lose sleep fretting over smart home hacking in Boston, you need to be aware of the potential safety issue and take action to avoid it.

Methods To Prevent Smart Home Hacking

It would seem that nearly everything is connected to the internet nowadays - home security devices, televisions, and even your kitchen appliances like ovens and refrigerators. The drawback is that this creates more pathways for cyber criminals to invade your network. With that being said, you don’t have to forgo wireless home protection packages or other smart appliances. Rather, consider these recommendations and take steps to keep intruders off your network.


  • Use hard-to-guess passwords: This is a necessity for any account, including your wireless configuration. Use upper and lower casing and a blend of letters, numbers, and acceptable special characters. Avoid birthdays, anniversaries, or other options hackers could easily guess. A password fabricator will give you something absolutely random and password management software can aid you in keeping tabs on your various passwords and accounts.


  • Update default settings: When you first unbox a new router, it’s likely to come with a standard password to facilitate the setup. Adjust it immediately. Hackers may know these default passwords too. Establishing your Wi-Fi network and home router properly at the start is vital in maintaining your security.


  • Consider a separate network: Why have your smart range, your security devices, and your work laptop on the same network? Many routers permit you to create a separate guest network. Take advantage of it and safeguard important material found on your desktop, laptop, and phone.


  • Consider installing a firewall: Firewalls aren’t only for businesses. They might also be used on home network. Firewalls are able to pay close attention to your network’s traffic and stop suspicious activity. You can start with a router that offers an integrated firewall.


  • Choose the most up-to-date encryption standards and security protocols: If you own a recently manufactured router, you might be able to incorporate WPA3, the most up-to-date wireless security protocol. If that’s not an option, WPA2 with AES encryption will be sufficient. You ought to look for home security devices that protect with 128-bit or higher.


  • Make sure software and firmware is up-to-date: Keep your firmware and software at the latest levels for all equipment, which includes your connected surveillance units. In some cases, these updates will fix known issues and bolster your network security.
 

Be Cautious of Cheap Smart Home Components In Boston

When working with a reputable company like ADT, you’ll be impressed by the fact that any security gaps in surveillance systems or other devices are managed in a quick and professional manner. Other off-the-shelf options may not be quite as diligent. Purchasing your smart thermostat, video doorbell, surveillance system, and additional smart devices from a single reputable company like ADT is a wise choice. And getting all of your components connected at the same time will help ensure proper configuration, operation, and security. It’s also worthwhile to point out that ADT Command, your centralized touchscreen, utilizes two-way encryption when communicating with your connected equipment.

Request Your Own Boston Home Security System

As you now have a greater understanding on how to keep your home network safe from cyber criminals, it’s time to begin designing your own home security in Boston. The security professionals at Secure24 Alarm Systems are ready to create the perfect package for your property. Contact us at (617) 430-5865 or submit the form to take your protection to a new level.