Smart homes require smart security: a guide to safeguarding your space 

Homes that respond to your every need as if they can read your mind. Lights that turn on and off at a simple gesture. Appliances and systems that can be controlled remotely or through voice control. The possibility of automating specific tasks by using scheduled commands or sensors that detect residents’ presence. Devices that seamlessly communicate with each other to simplify your routine and create ideal living environments. These are not concepts from a sci-fi scenario but the reality of smart home systems, a trend that’s becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. 

The perks are undeniable. The advanced technologies and features that smart homes integrate elevate comfort, convenience, energy efficiency, functionality, and security, bringing innovation into everyday life and catering to the needs of modern households.   

However, sometimes the very things that are supposed to make our lives easier can also make them more complicated and bring along unexpected challenges. While people are understandably pleased with all the advantages that smart home solutions provide, they shouldn’t remain oblivious to the drawbacks and the potential risks they might pose – especially those related to security.  

Security risks in smart homes 

From smart cameras and locks to motion sensors, instant alerts, and remote monitoring systems, smart homes are packed with tech equipment and features, all working together to provide the people inside with peace of mind and keep them safe from the 

threats of the outside world. With all their cutting-edge gears and mechanisms, one might come to think that smart homes are completely impenetrable, like high-tech fortresses able to stop any threat in its tracks and withstand even the most sophisticated attacks. 

Unfortunately, as comprehensive as these security networks might be, they are not foolproof. Ironically enough, these solutions that are designed to keep perils at bay also create new security risks, in the form of hacking and malware attacks, data breaches, privacy concerns, device malfunctions, compromised networks, and even physical security issues. 

Most smart homes are usually equipped with an intricate web of interconnected devices and applications, commonly referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT). Each of these devices can be used by cybercriminals as a potential entry point to break into private systems, creating a vast attack surface. It’s like giving bad actors a buffet from which they can pick and choose. The more gadgets, the more opportunities for them to find vulnerabilities and exploit them. If one of these devices gets hacked, cybercriminals can gain access to sensitive information like login credentials, banking details, addresses, schedules, and so on. 

Furthermore, since these devices are linked together, if one gets infected, attackers can compromise all the rest and infiltrate the entire home network. Once inside, they can take over the infected devices and use them to control home systems and secretly surveil occupants, a practice known as device hijacking.    

Even if the systems are strong enough to resist attacks and prevent information leaks, the fact that smart home devices typically collect large amounts of data on users raises major privacy concerns. Due to vague privacy protocols and notices, this information is often shared with third parties, sometimes without users’ knowledge and consent, significantly increasing the risk of misuse and data breaches. 

In addition, smart home devices rely on internet connection to function and are also susceptible to glitches and failure. In the event of a power outage or a technical issue, they become inoperable, leaving homeowners exposed to all sorts of security risks, including physical ones. For example, if a smart lock stops working, it can leave the door wide open (quite literally) for intruders to enter the property. 

The solutions 

While all the risks mentioned above are as real as can be, should they compel us to turn away from smart home technology and revert to more traditional living environments, free from the dangers posed by IoT devices and automation? Most will agree that such a response may be a bit extreme, and there’s no need to resort to such drastic measures. There are ways to effectively tackle the risks without having to give up on any of the conveniences. So, if you want a safe and smart home, here are some of the solutions that can help in this respect.  

Enhance network security 

At the core of every smart home lies its network infrastructure, which enables devices to communicate and function seamlessly, so ensuring your Wi-Fi network is secure is key to strengthening your smart home’s defences. Start by setting unique, strong passwords for your internet connection and all your devices and accounts to prevent unauthorized access – not the overused 12345, date of birth, or pet name combinations that even a five-year-old could guess. If you struggle with creating and managing passwords, using a password generator can simplify the process significantly. 

Add an extra layer of protection by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), using end-to-end encryption when possible, and consider creating a separate network for your IoT devices. This way, even if one of your devices gets hacked, the attack won’t spread to other areas of the network.    

Keep devices and software updated 

No device or operating system is perfect, but developers constantly work on improving them, and that includes addressing security vulnerabilities that hackers could use to their advantage. By updating your smart gadgets and apps regularly, you can benefit from the latest features, performance improvements, and crucial security patches. It’s one of the quickest and simplest ways to enhance your smart home’s security and stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.  

Assess systems regularly 

Just like all things, a smart home requires ongoing maintenance to keep things running smoothly and safely. So, every now and then, you should go through your devices and settings and check to see if everything is in order. Enable or disable features and services, as appropriate, to optimize your security system.  

Choose smartly 

With smart home technology on the rise, there’s an increasing number of devices, apps, and solutions one can integrate into their home systems. However, this doesn’t mean you should use all of them. On the contrary, you should limit yourself to the ones you find absolutely necessary, as any new addition also increases security risks. 

Smart homes are only as smart and safe as you make them, so it’s essential to stay vigilant and get actively involved in safeguarding your space.