ADT® Authorized Dealer Serving North Birmingham, Trussville, & Surrounding Area
December 05, 2022

Do You Need To Be Concerned About Smart Home Hacking In Birmingham?

In a variety of ways, smart components like security cameras and video doorbells have made our lives more secure. We have the ability to get updates if a stranger comes up our front steps, and we can even have footage sent to us when suspicious movements are detected. Having devices we can interact with through the internet warns us of potential threats immediately. But there is one primary drawback. The simple access that keeps us connected is also cracking a door open for virtual intrusions.

While you shouldn’t lay awake at night agonizing over smart home hacking in Birmingham, you need to be aware of the risk involved and take steps to steer clear of it.

Methods To Protect Yourself From Smart Home Hacking

It’s amazing how the internet has changed our daily lives as just about anything is accessible remotely, including your security devices, smart televisions, and even your oven. This also creates more avenues for cyber criminals to invade your network. With that being said, you don’t have to forgo wireless home defense systems or other smart devices. Alternatively, follow these tips and take steps to keep invaders away from your network.


  • Use strong passwords: This is a must for every account, and that includes your home’s wireless network. Use upper and lower casing and a blend of letters, numbers, and acceptable special characters. Don’t use birthdays, full words, or other things hackers might easily determine. A password fabricator will provide something absolutely random and a password manager can assist you in tracking your different accounts and passwords.


  • Update default settings: When setting up your new router, it’s likely to come with a preset password to help you get started. Don’t forget to update it. Hackers may know these default settings as well. Configuring your private network and router properly from day one is vital in keeping you protected.


  • Create a separate network: Why put your smart fridge, your security sensors, and your work laptop on one network? The majority of routers will let you initiate a separate guest network. Make use of it and safeguard private material found on your laptop, desktop, and phone.


  • Consider installing a firewall: Firewalls aren’t merely for business settings. They might also be used on personal network. Firewalls can keep an eye on the traffic on your network and block suspect activity. You might start with a router that offers an integrated firewall.


  • Use the latest encryption standards and security protocols: If you have a new router, you will likely be able to use WPA3, the current wireless security protocol. If that’s not an option, WPA2 with AES encryption is still a good choice. You need to find home security components that feature 128-bit encryption or higher.


  • Be certain software and firmware is updated: Keep your software and firmware on the most recent version for all devices, and that includes your connected camera surveillance. Frequently, these updates will fix various susceptibilities and tighten up your security.
 

Beware of Shoddy Smart Home Components In Birmingham

One of the benefits of working with a trusted company like ADT is knowing that security implements are regularly being inspected to address any flaws hackers could take advantage of. Other off-the-shelf brands might not be quite as diligent. Getting your smart thermostat, video doorbell, surveillance system, and additional components from a lone reputable company like ADT is a wise choice. And having all of your equipment hooked up at once will help ensure proper integration, performance, and security. It’s also good to know that ADT Command, the central touchpad interface, employs two-way encryption when communicating with your smart devices.

Design Your Own Birmingham Home Security System

Now that you have more knowledge on how to keep your home network safe from cyber criminals, you’re ready to start on your own smart home security system in Birmingham. The security specialists at Secure24 Alarm Systems are ready to customize the perfect package for your family. Call (205) 203-0526 or submit the form to get started.