Over the years, advancements in technology have shaped not only how we communicate but also how we protect our homes. Technology enables us to connect many types of devices other than our computers and smartphones. People combine home elements for optimal security and efficiency, such as garage doors, doorbells, door locks, speakers, lights, clocks, motorized blinds, and other electronic devices. It’s never been easier to keep an eye on your home away from home!
Home automation involves your devices communicating with one another to send information and respond to your commands. It is convenient to use once everything is properly set up because you can control the various elements of your home remotely! Saving electricity and improving security are just two of the many advantages of home automation. This guide will go over how automation and smart home technology can provide home security.
Why Is Smart Home Security Necessary?
Nobody should ever leave their home unprotected. Break-ins are becoming increasingly common these days. As a result, taking precautionary measures to strengthen one’s home security system is critical. These things mainly aid in improving home security. Numerous IoT (Internet of Things) devices can be used to monitor suspicious activity.
The majority of thefts occur while the homeowners are away. When you are away, there is a good chance that a thief will break into your home. Now you can able to monitor your home quickly and efficiently with interconnected smart home security devices.
Smart Home Security Devices
IoT technology includes a variety of devices. However, not all can assist us in monitoring our place of residence. Listed below are a few devices that are essential components of IoT-enabled home security systems:
Smart Cameras
Smart Cameras are essential for home security. Cameras with internet access are wireless and accessible from anywhere.
Biometric Security Locks
Biometric lock systems are now commonplace. Biometrics are widely used in the workplace. Biometric authentication restricts entry in modern homes with smart home security.
Video Door Entry Methods
It enables users to control access to their homes, either locally or remotely, using their smartphone, tablet, or car. It is compatible with voice assistants such as Siri, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home, providing users with comfort and security.
Fire/Smoke Detectors
Fire/smoke detectors are essential in any home. A CO (carbon monoxide) detector is typically included with smart homes. These detectors are set to notify you if there is an unusually high level of CO inside your home.
Sensors of Motion
Motion sensors are essential for ensuring your home’s safety. They can detect motion or vibration and respond to 2D and 3D gestures. These sensors can notify you of any suspicious activity inside or outside your home.
Switches that are linked
These switches can be operated using a smartphone, tablet, or voice control, such as Siri, Google Home, or Amazon Echo. They enable you to control individual lights, curtains, electrical appliances, and other devices, enhancing the user experience and providing comfort daily. Talk about having the upper hand!
Ways to improve smart home device security
Regardless of how frequently we warn about the security risks associated with smart home devices, they do make life easier—or, at the very least, are a lot of fun to play with. This technology is clearly not going away. So, how can those who have adopted smart home technology remain as secure as possible? Here are some simple ways to improve the security of smart home devices so that users are as safe as possible while using the new technologies they adore.
Change your passwords
Most smart home devices come with pre-programmed passwords. Some companies, but not all, require you to change the default password before integrating the technology into your home. The first thing users can do to prevent hackers from brute-forcing their way into their smart home device is to change the password and make it unique to that device. Once a hacker discovers one password, they will attempt to use it on all other accounts.
Turn on two-factor authentication
Many websites and smart devices now allow users to choose two-step authentication, which is a two-step process for verifying information before granting someone access to your account. You can enable this verification and receive email alerts if you use a Chromecast or another Google device. While you may be the only person who attempts to log into your account, it’s comforting to know that you’ll be notified if someone tries to hack in and steal your information.
Unused features should be disabled
Smart home technology, such as the Amazon Echo or Google Nest, has made headlines for secretly recording users or shipping with unknown features, such as a microphone, that are later enabled. This makes implicitly trusting those devices risky.
While your voice assistant will not constantly record you, it can be triggered by words used in a conversation between two people. Examine your home assistant’s logs and delete any voice recordings that you don’t agree with. On these devices, you can always disable the voice control features. While their primary function is to respond to voice commands, they can also be accessed via an app, remotely, or via a website.
Upgrade your equipment
When did you buy your smart home devices? If it has been long enough that software updates are no longer frequent, it may be time to upgrade. Upgraded technology will always include new features, fewer malfunctions of previously cutting-edge but now standard innovations, and more advanced ways to secure the device that was not available on previous models. Another advantage of upgrading is that there are far more players on the market today than just a few years ago.
Wrapping it up
Before the internet, it was impossible to keep an eye on your home while you were at work or on vacation. However, remote monitoring is now possible. Even if you are thousands of miles away, you can receive video feeds and photos of the house. You can view your home by connecting the security cameras to your smartphone. You can visit your house whenever you want. You will be notified if someone attempts to tamper with the security system. Some services include the ability to arm or disarm the security system. Some apps will also assist in the dispatch of fire alarms.
