ADT® Authorized Dealer Serving Youngstown & Surrounding Areas
December 05, 2022

Do You Need To Worry About Smart Home Hacking In Youngstown?

In many ways, smart tools like surveillance equipment and video doorbells have boosted our home security. We can get alerts if someone arrives at our front steps, and we can have video clips sent to us when dubious behavior is detected. Having implements we are able to access through the internet alerts us to potential hazards instantaneously. But there is one chief disadvantage. The quick access that keeps us connected is also cracking a door open for online invasions.

While you don’t have to get yourself in a panic worrying about smart home hacking in Youngstown, you ought to be cognizant of the risk involved and take steps to avoid it.

How To Prevent Smart Home Hacking

It would seem that practically everything is connected to the internet nowadays - home security devices, televisions, and even your home appliances like ranges and refrigerators. The issue is that this produces more pathways for hackers to invade your network. That doesn't mean you have to eschew wireless home protection packages or other smart components. Instead, consider these suggestions and do your part to keep invaders out of your network.


  • Create hard-to-crack passwords: This is a requirement for every account, especially your wireless configuration. Use upper and lower casing and a blend of numbers, letters, and special characters. Avoid birthdays, anniversaries, or anything else hackers might easily figure out. A password fabricator will give you something completely random and password management software can help you track your various accounts and passwords.


  • Change default settings: When you first unbox that new router, chances are it will come with a standard password to help you get started. Change it. Hackers may have these default passwords too. Establishing your private network and router correctly from day one will go a long way to keeping you protected.


  • Consider separate networks: Why put your smart oven, your security devices, and the laptop you use for work on the same network? Most routers permit you to create a different guest network. Be sure to use it and protect important information present on your desktop, laptop, and phone.


  • Install a firewall: Firewalls aren’t only for commercial networks. They may also be integrated with your private network. Firewalls can watch your network’s traffic and thwart suspicious activity. You can opt for a router including an incorporated firewall.


  • Utilize the top encryption standards and security protocols: If you’re using a new router, you will likely have the chance to use WPA3, the latest wireless security protocol. If not, WPA2 with AES encryption will be sufficient. You should find home security components that feature 128-bit or higher.


  • Ensure firmware and software is updated: Keep your operating systems up to date for all components, including your networked video cameras. Many times, these updates will patch known issues and improve your network’s security.
 

Beware of Lower Quality Smart Home Devices In Youngstown

Respected brands like ADT and Amazon have their status to maintain and are more likely to rectify a security flaw in their equipment. Other off-the-shelf brands may not act in the same fashion. Purchasing your smart thermostat, video doorbell, surveillance system, and additional items from one supplier like ADT makes sense. And deciding to have all of your components installed at the same time will help ensure flawless implementation, operation, and security. It’s also good to know that ADT Command, the central touchpad interface, employs two-way encryption when engaging with with your integrated equipment.

Customize Your Own Youngstown Wireless Home Security Package

Since you now have a better idea on how to keep your home network shielded from hackers, it’s time to begin designing your own home defense system in Youngstown. The security professionals at Secure24 Alarm Systems will help you find the right package for your home. Call (330) 355-9086 or submit the form to take your protection to a new level.