Strategies to Fortify Cyberspace Defenses while Employing Intelligent Home Technology
Setting up a futuristic smart home can bring convenience and automation to your daily life, but it also comes with privacy concerns. Smart devices connect to a network, making them potential weak spots for potential privacy breaches. Here's how to create a smart home while minimizing privacy issues.
Make Informed Decisions
1. Know What You Need
Before diving into smart devices, consider which features will truly benefit your lifestyle. Network-connected light bulbs, for example, might not be necessary if they don't make a difference in your life. Opt for smart home essentials and avoid unnecessary devices.
2. Select Reputable Brands
Research smart devices before purchasing to ensure they have strong privacy and security features. Be prepared to spend more for devices from reliable manufacturers since cheaper options may compromise your privacy.
Strengthen Network Security
1. Customize Your Router Settings
Avoid using factory default SSID or password, and set up strong encryption. If possible, upgrade to a router with WPA3 encryption, otherwise, use WPA2.
2. Create Separate Networks
Create a guest network for your smart devices, keeping them separate from devices like laptops or phones to reduce privacy breach risks.
3. Use Unique Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Each smart device typically has its own password and security settings, so don't use the same password for each one. Enable 2FA when available to add an extra layer of protection.
Adjust Device Settings
Familiarize yourself with privacy settings on each device, paying particular attention to "data" and "personalization" options. Setting these to the most restrictive option can help protect your privacy as much as possible.
For example, on a Google Nest smart speaker, go to settings and disable personalized ads and audio recordings. Similarly, on an ecobee smart thermostat, disable the Smart Home/Away feature if you prefer not to be tracked. Disable any unnecessary features on your devices for additional privacy protection.
Stay Updated
Regularly update your smart home devices to keep their software and firmware up-to-date, as manufacturers release patches to improve security. Automatic updates are often available, but manually check occasionally to ensure your devices are secure.
Different devices require various methods to update, but updates can usually be found in the smart device app or hub app. For example, you can trigger a software update on an Amazon Echo by simply asking it, or search the settings for update options if you have Blink Outdoor cameras.
Maintain Physical Security
Ensure your smart devices' physical security, especially those installed on the exterior of the house or accessible from the outside. Keep smart devices out of reach and secure your phone or tablet, as they serve as the portal to control your smart home features and privacy settings.
By following these steps, you can create a smart home without sacrificing your privacy. Be proactive in your smart home setup and maintenance to protect your personal information and maintain your peace of mind.
- Refrain from acquiring unnecessary network-connected gadgets like smart bulbs, as they might not be crucial for your lifestyle and could potentially increase privacy risks.
- Before purchasing smart-home devices, research the brands for strong privacy and security features; be prepared to invest more in products from reputable manufacturers.
- Customize your router settings by using a unique SSID and password, setting up strong encryption, and consider upgrading to a router with WPA3 encryption or use WPA2 at the very least.
- Create separate networks for your smart-home devices to minimize the risk of privacy breaches, keeping them separate from sensitive devices like laptops or phones.
- Regularly update your smart-home devices and their apps to keep their software and firmware secure, as manufacturers frequently release updates to improve security features.
