What Is The Risk Associated With Smart Technology
Smart homes use digital technology to connect various smart devices. Which means all your security and entertainment devices become one. Sound’s exciting, right?
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The Dangers Of Smart Home Technology
Well, it’s not all roses, home automation can be quite scary when you think about the possibility of security attacks. Nowadays, every device and App we use can potentially collect our personal information, which scares us. And this can be a huge problem when it comes to smart homes.
Don’t get me wrong. I love smart homes and everything they stand for; there’s so much more potential to be harnessed. But despite this, there are two sides.
On the one hand, you have wonderfull technology coming out, with a real science fiction feel; the other hand is a little more sinister.
So, what is the risk associated with smart technology?
For me, there are three primary risks with smart home Technology.
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Cyberattacks
They might not happen very often; in fact, it very unlikely you know someone that’s fallen victim, but the fear is still real.
Cyberattacks can come in various forms, from stealing credit card information to personal data mining.
And here’s how:
Many smart devices use an internet connection to perform the task at hand. And it’s these smart devices that can be used as a gateway to your router if left unproperly protected. If a hacker gains access to your network, it can open up all kinds of doors for a cybercriminal to control.
Not all cyberattacks are bad though, check out this Canadian hacker that warns a man about the his security issue:
System Failure And Powercuts
System failures and power outages can wreak havoc in your smart home.
It’s probably one of the most significant and common issues a smart homeowner will face. A power outage can wipe out your home security systems and leave you very vulnerable.
The main reason is the loss of internet connection and power to the smart device.
Luckily if you do a little research power outages don’t have to be a big deal, many devices come with a battery back-up for this very reason.
You can even get plug sockets that can hold some charge; this way, if the power goes, the WiFi stays on, and so does your network.
Data & Identity Theft
It one of the most talked-about subjects in the cyberworld; even Congress are trying to figure out ways to control it.
Data protection has become immense; people are becoming wiser to what’s going on behind the veil of big companies.
This is probably down to companies like Facebook and Cambridge Analytica. I’m sure you’ve heard something, but just in case you haven’t; let me explain:
The company Cambridge Analytica was mining information from millions of Facebook accounts without the user’s consent. They ended up using this data to enhance political agendas. There’s actually an excellent documentary you should check out on Netflix called The Great Hack.
Staying Safe
So they are my three significant concerns when it comes to cybersecurity and your smart home systems. But how do you stay safe, and make yourself less vulnerable against security attacks?
Here are a few things:
- Keep up to date with the latest firmware updates
- Use Strong Passwords: I use LastPass to generate passwords and keep them safe for me
- Invest in identity theft protection: LifeLock, Identity Guard, and Complete ID are great options
- Try to stay away from voice activation
- Monitor no unknown devices have permission to your network
Hopefully, this article has helped you become clear on the possible dangers to your home automation security. Let me know in the comments what risks concern you.
If you’re worried about security, why not find out which smart locks better, Schlage Sense Vs Connect? they’re guaranteed to add an extra level of saftey.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best protocol for home security is Zigbee. It relies on a mesh network similar to Z-Wave, except Zigbee runs a 2.4 GHz frequency. It’s used because of its long-range, but more importantly, because of its security.
The risk associated with smart technology used in networked devices is there not compatible with routing protocols. This means your smart refrigerator can cause a burden on your network’s bandwidth.
The single biggest threat of theft of data is when a personal device, such as a mobile phone, laptop, or tablet.