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

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

In a variety of ways, smart components like surveillance systems and video doorbells have boosted our home security. We have the ability to get updates when a stranger arrives at our front porch, and we can have footage sent to us when dubious movements are found. Having devices we may communicate with over the internet warns us of prospective hazards instantly. But there is one chief disadvantage. The simple access we enjoy is also cracking a door open for hackers.

Although you shouldn’t get yourself in a panic worrying about smart home hacking in Erie, you should be cognizant of the potential danger and take action to steer clear of it.

How To Block Smart Home Hacking

Almost anything can be joined to the internet nowadays - your home’s security components, smart lights, and even your refrigerator. The drawback is that this produces more opportunities for cyber criminals to sneak into your network. That doesn't mean you have to eschew wireless home security systems or other smart devices. Instead, abide by these recommendations and do what you can to keep invaders out of your network.


  • Create hard-to-crack passwords: This is a necessity for any account, especially your wireless configuration. Use uppercase and lowercase and a mix of letters, special characters, and numbers. Don’t use birth dates, anniversaries, or other options hackers may easily determine. A password fabricator will supply you with something absolutely random and a password manager can assist you in tracking your many accounts and passwords.


  • Update default settings: When hooking up your new router, it’s likely to come with a preprogrammed password to facilitate the setup. Adjust it immediately. Hackers are likely to have these default settings too. Establishing your Wi-Fi network and router correctly in the beginning will go a long way to keeping you secure.


  • Consider more than one network: Why include your smart fridge, your security devices, and your home computer on one network? Most routers permit you to initiate a different guest network. Take advantage of it and safeguard private information found on your laptop, desktop, and phone.


  • Install a firewall: Firewalls aren’t merely for businesses. They can also be used on home network. Firewalls are able to pay close attention to what’s happening on your network and block suspect activity. You might begin with a router with a built-in firewall.


  • Choose the latest encryption standards and security protocols: If you’re using a newer router, you may have the ability to utilize WPA3, the most up-to-date wireless security protocol. If that’s not an option, WPA2 with AES encryption is still a good choice. You ought to find home security devices that use 128-bit or higher.


  • Be certain firmware and software is updated: Keep your firmware and software on the most recent version for all devices, including your integrated video cameras. In some cases, these updates will patch known issues and bolster your security.
 

Be Wary of Shoddy Smart Home Equipment In Erie

Name brands like ADT and Google have reputations to maintain and will take steps to remedy a security bug in their equipment. Other knock-off options might not act in the same fashion. Getting your smart thermostat, video doorbell, surveillance system, and additional items from one reputable company like ADT is the right move. And having all of your components connected at once will help ensure proper configuration, performance, and security. It’s also worthwhile to point out that ADT Command, your centralized touchscreen, utilizes two-way encryption when communicating with your connected equipment.

Customize Your Own Erie Home Security System

Since you now have more knowledge on how to keep your home network shielded from hackers, it’s time to start on your own home defense system in Erie. The security professionals at Secure24 Alarm Systems will help you customize the right package for your home. Dial (814) 212-8989 or complete the form to get started.