ADT® Authorized Dealer Serving Entire Champaign-Urbana Metro Area
December 05, 2022

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

In many ways, smart tools like surveillance systems and video doorbells have enhanced our security. We are able to get alerts if a stranger arrives at our front steps, and we can have video segments delivered to us when suspicious activity is happening. Having implements we are able to access via the internet warns us of potential risks instantaneously. But there is one primary disadvantage. The quick access we enjoy is also cracking a door open for online invasions.

Although you don’t need to lose sleep worrying about smart home hacking in Champaign, you need to be aware of the potential danger and take action to steer clear of it.

Methods To Protect Yourself From Smart Home Hacking

It’s amazing how the internet has changed our lives as seemingly everything is accessible wirelessly, including your security sensors, smart televisions, and even your oven. The drawback is that this creates more avenues for cyber criminals to sneak into your network. With that being said, you don’t have to forgo wireless home defense systems or other smart appliances. Instead, abide by these suggestions and do your part to keep intruders away from your network.


  • Protect with strong passwords: This is a necessity for any account, especially your home’s wireless network. Use lower and upper casing and a blend of letters, numbers, and acceptable special characters. Avoid birthdays, street names, or anything else hackers might easily figure out. A password generator will give you something completely random and a password manager can help you track your many accounts and passwords.


  • Avoid default settings: When hooking up your new router, it will probably come with a standard password to facilitate the setup. Adjust it immediately. Hackers are likely to know these default passwords as well. Setting up your Wi-Fi network and new router properly from day one will go a long way to keeping you secure.


  • Set up more than one network: Why include your smart range, your home security components, and your work laptop on one network? Most routers will let you create a distinct guest network. Make use of it and protect private material present on your laptop, desktop, and phone.


  • Install a firewall: Firewalls aren’t merely for businesses. They can also be integrated with your home network. Firewalls can watch your network’s traffic and block suspicious activity. You can opt for a router including a built-in firewall.


  • Choose the top encryption settings and security protocols: If you have a new router, you will likely have the chance to incorporate WPA3, the current wireless security protocol. If not, WPA2 with AES encryption will be sufficient. You ought to find home security components that protect with 128-bit or higher.


  • Make sure software and firmware is current: Keep your operating systems at the latest levels for all equipment, which includes your networked video cameras. In some cases, these updates will address various susceptibilities and bolster your network’s security.
 

Be Wary of Lower Quality Smart Home Components In Champaign

One of the perks of working with a reputable brand like ADT is having the peace of mind that security components are regularly being inspected to ensure there are no vulnerabilities. Other off-the-shelf products may not be so conscientious. Purchasing your surveillance systems, video doorbell, smart thermostat, and additional items from one reputable company like ADT is a wise choice. And getting all of your components installed simultaneously will go a long way to ensuring seamless implementation, operation, and security. It’s also worthwhile to point out that ADT Command, the hub of your security system, utilizes two-way encryption when interacting with your integrated components.

Request Your Own Champaign Home Defense Package

Now that you have more knowledge on how to keep your home network shielded from hackers, It’s the right moment to begin designing your own smart home security system in Champaign. The security professionals at Secure24 Alarm Systems will help you customize the ideal package for your home. Call (217) 765-0086 or complete the form to get started.