ADT® Authorized Dealer Serving Decatur & All Northwest Alabama
December 05, 2022

Is There A Reason To Worry About Smart Home Hacking In Decatur?

In many ways, smart devices like surveillance systems and video doorbells have made our lives more secure. We are able to get updates when a visitor comes up our front steps, and we can have video clips delivered to us when dubious activity is detected. Having implements we may communicate with via the internet alerts us to prospective threats instantaneously. But there is one main disadvantage. The access that keeps us connected is also creating a pathway for hackers.

While you shouldn’t lay awake at night fretting over smart home hacking in Decatur, you ought to be cognizant of the potential danger and take steps to avoid it.

Methods To Block Smart Home Hacking

It’s incredible how the internet has influenced our lives as all types of products are accessible online, including your security devices, smart flat screens, and even your refrigerator. The drawback is that this creates more pathways for hackers to break into your network. With that being said, you don’t have to avoid wireless home defense systems or other smart components. Alternatively, follow these suggestions and do your part to keep intruders away from your network.


  • Use hard-to-crack passwords: This is a necessity for any account, especially your home Wi-Fi. Use uppercase and lowercase and a mix of numbers, letters, and special characters. Avoid birthdays, anniversaries, or other things hackers could easily determine. A password creator will give you something absolutely random and a password management tool will aid you in keeping tabs on your many accounts.


  • Change default settings: When setting up your new router, it’s likely to come with a standard password to help you get started. Don’t forget to update it. Hackers may have these default passwords as well. Configuring your private network and new router correctly at the start will go a long way to maintaining your security.


  • Create a separate network: Why have your smart fridge, your security devices, and your home computer on the same network? Most routers permit you to set up a distinct guest network. Be sure to use it and safeguard private data present on your desktop, laptop, and phone.


  • Add protection with a firewall: Firewalls aren’t only for commercial networks. They may also be used on private network. Firewalls will watch what’s happening on your network and block questionable activity. You might start with a router with an integrated firewall.


  • Utilize the latest encryption settings and security protocols: If you’re using a recently manufactured router, you might be able to incorporate WPA3, the current wireless security protocol. If that’s not available, WPA2 with AES encryption will be sufficient. You ought to install home security devices that use 128-bit or higher.


  • Make sure firmware and software is current: Keep your firmware and software up to date for all components, including your integrated surveillance units. Frequently, these updates will fix vulnerabilities and bolster your network’s security.
 

Beware of Cheap Smart Home Devices In Decatur

Leading companies like ADT and Amazon have their reputation to protect and will take steps to fix a security issue in their components. Other lesser-known products might not be so conscientious. Getting your smart thermostat, video doorbell, surveillance system, and other items from one source like ADT is the right move. And having all of your systems hooked up simultaneously will help ensure flawless configuration, security, and performance. It’s also worthwhile to point out that ADT Command, the hub of your security system, uses two-way encryption when communicating with your connected devices.

Customize Your Own Decatur Home Defense Package

Now that you have more knowledge on how to keep your private network shielded from hackers, you’re ready to get started on your own home defense system in Decatur. The security specialists at Secure24 Alarm Systems will help you customize the right package for your family. Call (256) 246-8823 or fill out the form to take your protection to a new level.