Cybercriminals are experts at breaking into wireless networks to access connected devices, whether a computer or a smart device, like a speaker, security camera, or refrigerator. At first glance, it might seem funny to think a hacker wants to gain access to your smart television, but it happens, and you need to consider it.
Taking cybersecurity for smart technology seriously is crucial beyond just installing antivirus software on your computer or laptop. It would be best to extend that protection to your smart devices. Here’s why.
Anything Connected To The Internet Can Be Hacked
Each smart device you have in your home is a potential vulnerability. Learning how to protect your devices is essential. If you are a landlord providing smart tech to your tenants, like smart locks and video doorbell systems, you must explain how they can protect those systems. Protecting smart tech from hackers isn’t hard, but it requires effort.
Unfortunately, any device you connect to the internet can be hacked. This includes laptops, computers, smartphones, tablets, and even your smart home devices. Anything that connects to the internet can be hacked, including:
- Refrigerators
- Coffee makers
- Speakers
- Virtual assistants
- Security systems
- Video surveillance
- Televisions
- Thermostats
- Locks
- Lights
- And more
There are countless examples of cybersecurity for smart technology with smart home tech vulnerabilities, like the flaw in Belkin’s smart plug that enabled hackers to control the lights in a house and access devices connected to the network. There was also a vulnerability discovered with the Ring Doorbell that broadcast an unprotected, unencrypted Wi-Fi signal that technically gave hackers the ability to capture all traffic, including your network password.
The good news is that neither of these vulnerabilities was exploited to anyone’s knowledge, but others have been extensively exploited. For example, in 2019, hackers accessed Ring home security cameras across four states and started talking to children, scaring them.
1. Always Set A Password For Your Wi-Fi
Having an open wireless network is always a bad idea. It doesn’t matter if you live out in the boonies – set a password for your Wi-Fi. Anyone who comes near your home within the range of your router or booster will be able to access your network, and that’s what you want to avoid. Not all hackers will try to attack you from the other side of the world. Sometimes, people nearby take opportunities when they see them.
Protecting your network with a password will also give you more cybersecurity for smart technology when guests are over. You don’t have to give them access to your network, but if you do, you can change the password when they leave. You also have the option of setting up a guest network, which will allow your guests to access the internet but not any other devices connected to the network.
2. Change The Username And Password For Each Device
If possible, change both the username and password for every smart device you own. At the very least, change the password. Smart devices will come with preset factory passwords that are easily accessible and known to hackers. That’s how they quickly round up thousands of devices for botnet attacks. They search for accessible devices and attempt to access them with known factory passwords. Most of the time, they’re successful because people never change the default credentials.
3. Limit The Number Of Devices You Use
You probably don’t need every single smart device ever invented. It sounds nice and might be convenient or even fun, but the more devices you have, the greater you are at risk.
Limit the number of smart home devices you use and stick with only what is essential or at least what you’re willing to accept. Weigh the pros and cons of every device. For instance, if you install a smart video surveillance system, you’ll have to accept that someone could hack it and watch you in your home.
4. Keep Your Firmware Updated
Firmware isn’t something most people are familiar with, but it needs to be updated just like software applications. Firmware is technically software that powers your router and any other IoT gadget you own.
Unfortunately, most firmware won’t automatically update; you must approve it yourself. This is beneficial because enabling automated updates can result in unauthorized third-party installations without your knowledge.
Smart Tech Has Vulnerabilities, Too
Any device that connects to the internet can potentially have vulnerabilities that will open the door for hackers. Whether it’s a smartwatch, a television, or your laptop, treat all your devices the same regarding cybersecurity for smart technology.
