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

Should You Worry About Smart Home Hacking In Albany?

In many ways, smart tools like security cameras and video doorbells have boosted our home security. We can receive updates when a stranger arrives at our front porch, and we may even have video segments sent to us when dubious behavior is happening. Having devices we may communicate with via the internet warns us of prospective hazards instantaneously. But there is one chief disadvantage. The quick access we enjoy is also cracking a door open for virtual intrusions.

Although you shouldn’t lay awake at night agonizing over smart home hacking in Albany, you should be cognizant of the potential danger and take steps to avoid it.

Methods To Block Smart Home Hacking

It seems that just about everything is connected to the internet nowadays - home security components, TVs, and even your kitchen appliances like ranges and coffee makers. This also generates more avenues for hackers to break into your network. Even so, you don’t need to forgo wireless home protection packages or other smart devices. Instead, follow these suggestions and do what you can to keep invaders out of your network.


  • Create strong passwords: This is a must for any account, and that includes your home’s wireless network. Use upper and lower casing and a mix of letters, numbers, and acceptable special characters. Stay away from birth dates, street names, or other things hackers may easily determine. A password fabricator will give you something completely random and a password manager can help you track your different accounts and passwords.


  • Change default settings: When hooking up a new router, it’s likely to come with a preprogrammed password to help you get started. Change it. Hackers are likely to have these default passwords as well. Establishing your private network and new router properly from day one is critical in keeping you protected.


  • Consider more than one network: Why put your smart fridge, your security sensors, and your home computer on the same network? Many routers permit you to initiate a separate guest network. Be sure to use it and safeguard important material found on your desktop, laptop, and phone.


  • Install a firewall: Firewalls aren’t only for businesses. They might also be integrated with your personal network. Firewalls can keep an eye on your network’s traffic and stop suspicious activity. You could opt for a router with an integrated firewall.


  • Choose the latest encryption options and security protocols: If you’re using a newer router, you will likely have the ability to incorporate WPA3, the current wireless security protocol. If that’s not an option, WPA2 with AES encryption will do the job. You ought to look for home security devices that feature 128-bit or higher.


  • Ensure software and firmware is up-to-date: Keep your software and firmware up to date for all components, including your integrated surveillance units. In some cases, these updates will fix various susceptibilities and improve your network security.
 

Be Wary of Lower Quality Smart Home Devices In Albany

Leading companies like ADT and Amazon have their reputation to protect and will take steps to fix a security flaw in their components. Other off-the-shelf products may not act in the same fashion. Buying your video cameras, smart thermostat, video doorbell, and other smart devices from a single source like ADT is a wise choice. And getting all of your components connected simultaneously will help ensure seamless integration, security, and performance. It’s also worthwhile to point out that ADT Command, the hub of your security system, employs two-way encryption when interacting with your connected equipment.

Request Your Own Albany Home Defense Package

Now that you have a greater understanding on how to keep your private network secure, it’s time to start on your own smart home security system in Albany. The security specialists at Secure24 Alarm Systems are ready to find the ideal package for your property. Contact us at (518) 303-3311 or fill out the form to get started.