Smart home technology brings together a range of IoT devices from smart thermometers to voice assistants. Even coffee machines and fridges are getting in on the act. However, the more devices that connect to our home network, the greater the potential for external exploits. Securing your IoT devices is important because it can prevent external parties from gaining access to your network, your personal information, and your private data.
Securing Your Smart Home
Just as you would physically secure the doors and windows of your property, it is important to ensure there are no easy points of access within your home network. If somebody can gain access to your home network, they will be able to access information on PCs, phones, and other connected devices. This means they could potentially gain access to your mobile banking, your gaming payment data, or your TG casino no deposit bonus account details. Gaming or casino accounts can contain sensitive payment information, and hackers are well aware of this. Still, many people enjoy the convenience of using them on cell phones and other mobile devices, which are not usually as secure as computers. Preventing unauthorized access to your network is the best defense.
That being said, the aforementioned crypto/blockchain casinos are less hazardous in that sense, as players can log in using only their crypto wallet data, reducing the potential identity footprint. Still, this doesn’t mean their users should take cybsersecurity for granted.
Replace Outdated Equipment
Security protocols move on quickly. They have to advance to continue to protect against the latest threats. An outdated router or other piece of equipment could leave a security hole in your network. If a device no longer receives firmware updates or is no longer supported by the manufacturer, it is time to consider replacing it. This not only includes your router but any piece of smart home equipment that could act as a doorway into your home network.
Check Your Router Settings
A router is only as secure as its settings. Home routers are designed to be as easy to use as possible, but this can come at the expense of adequate security. Disable features like Universal Plug and Play and WiFi Protected Setup (WPS), if possible because these make it far too easy for external parties to gain access to your network.
In the case of WPS, if it is enabled on some routers, it only takes 11,000 guesses to guarantee access to the network and that takes a matter of minutes for a modern computer.
Only Connect Devices That Need To Be Connected
Before you purchase any IoT devices, consider what you actually need and whether those devices need to be connected to your smart home. Smart speakers are handy, but if you only want to play music through speakers from devices in your home, they don’t need to be connected to the Internet. Do you really need a smart coffee machine that connects to the outside world? Every new device is potentially a new backdoor for hackers and bots to access.
Research Devices Before You Buy
Once you have your list of items, undertake some heavy research. Find items that meet your requirements, but ensure they are secure. Read reviews, check the security protocols used in the devices, and absolutely make sure they have settings like multi-factor authentication or two-factor authentication. Security should be at the top of the list when you’re comparing products. If devices don’t mention security settings, it’s best to look elsewhere.
Buy From Manufacturers That Take Security Seriously
IoT manufacturers should understand that their devices need to be secure if they are going to be part of a home network that connects to the Internet. Look for companies with a good track record in device security. The best will offer bounty programs.
A bounty program means crowdsourcing elements of security to the public. Ethical hackers and cybersecurity experts look for potential exploits and are rewarded for finding them, enabling the manufacturer to create and roll out a patch to fix the exploit. Not only does this mean you are more likely to receive updates and fixes for problems, but it shows that the company takes security seriously.
Update Software And Firmware
As soon as you turn on and connect any IoT device, let it check for software updates and patches and ensure they are installed. Manufacturer updates provide patches to fix known problems with devices, as well as security patches that protect against known exploits.
Once installed, you should let devices automatically check for and install updates. These can typically be set to run at certain times, so they can run at night or another time when the update won’t prevent you from using your IoT devices. This includes smart speakers and other smart devices, such as your router, consoles, computers, and mobile phones.
Password Protect Every Device
Most smart devices are managed through mobile apps. You will need to set up accounts with each, and you should set up passwords for every device. Every device needs its own unique password, and every password should meet strict security requirements.
This means choosing passwords at least 12 characters long and that incorporate a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. A random password generator will give the most secure passwords, and you can use a secure password manager to remember them all.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication
Not all IoT devices offer the feature, but where multi-factor authentication is available, use it. This typically means that when you want to log on to your IoT device, you will not only have to enter a unique, secure password but you will be required to use a second form of authentication. This may mean an access pin is sent to your cell phone or it could require biometric login on your mobile device.
Set Up Your Smart Home On A Separate Network
Ideally, IoT devices should not be connected to the same network as your laptop, computer, and cell phone. This doesn’t mean you need multiple Internet connections, but, if possible, you should create separate networks in your home to include one network for your smart home devices.
Most modern routers offer 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, which means you can establish two networks. Some also have a 6GHz band, so you could set up a third network if required. All separate networks need to be fully secure to ensure your home and everything in it is protected.
Monitor Your WiFi Network
Some routers provide details of exactly what devices are connected to a network at any time. Others may only show a snapshot or limited information. But, this can be very useful information if you want to ensure that your home network is secure.
If your router doesn’t allow it, use network monitoring software that offers this feature and check regularly. Some software will even alert you if new or unrecognized devices access your WiFi.
