The best way to keep your smart home secure is to keep every device updated with the latest firmware. Updates fix known flaws in wireless gear. A safe network setup adds another layer of protection.
As the CEO of 1 Sound Choice, a pioneer in Smart Home Technology, I recently had a thought-provoking lunch with General Thomas W. Spoehr at the Pentagon, delving into a subject critical to our digital age: cybersecurity in the realm of smart homes. The conversation illuminated a startling reality – our homes, adorned with the latest Internet of Things (IoT) devices, are not just comfort zones but potential targets for cyber threats.
According to the report, two years ago an internet-enabled refrigerator was commandeered and began sending pornographic spam while making ice cubes. Baby monitors have been turned into eavesdropping devices and there are concerns about the security of medical devices, such as computerized insulin pumps. In October 2017, thousands of security cameras were hacked to create a massive Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) against Dyn, a provider of critical Domain Name System (DNS) services to companies like Twitter, Airbnb, etc. Then there is the recent disclosure of CIA tools for hacking Internet of Things devices, such as Samsung Smart TVs, to turn them into listening devices. This map shows exactly where cyber attacks have taken place. http://map.norsecorp.com.
Just this week 2/13/18 Consumer Reports warns Smart TVs Vulnerable to Hacking, Spying:
“ After analyzing smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, and Vizio, Consumer Reports has found several problems with their security. In particular, they found that Samsung and TCL’s branded Roku TV are totally vulnerable to changing channels, controlling the volume, and installing third-party apps.”
So now we know that these things can happen with the Internet of Things (IoT). We have to continue to be aware that IOT is somewhat akin to the Wild West and things can be hacked. Much of this hacking can take place in your smart home. As responsible smart home owners, we all need to learn how to protect ourselves against hacking. One of the most important methods of protection is to always make sure that everything has the latest firmware updates.
We also need to protect ourselves against what is termed a KRACK attack, which stands for Key Reinstallation Attack. Anything wireless has this flaw, even under WPA2 security. When two wireless pieces of equipment are transmitting to one another, a hacker can piggyback onto either of them and gain control of the network. This can make your sensitive information, including credit card, bank account, or social security numbers, available for hackers. Again, I can’t stress enough, every wireless product you own must have the latest firmware.
Another thing you can do to protect yourself is to be sure that when you get a new device, change the password. Make sure you use upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, special characters…basically anything that the product will allow. Make sure your passwords are longer than 10 positions.
Finally, be sure to buy reputable products. Choose names you are familiar with and stay away from those you’ve never heard of. Stay away from brand new products, as you want to make sure the manufacturer has had time to work the kinks out before you buy.
Do you want to know more about how to create a Smart Home that buyers will pay for, and that will be secure? Give me a call (973) 945-5275. I would love to chat with you. In the meantime, pick up a copy of my book Join the Smart Home Revolution it is full of useful and interesting Smart Home information. You can get your copy here: https://lnkd.in/e26dc2W
Same password on every device? See our one password page.
What One Sound Choice clients say
We one a vacation home and were concerned with security when we are not there. 1 Sound Choice provided camera that allowed us to record all activity for a month and we could dial into the system from the internet. The system also will automatically flash lights inside the home to discourage intruders from entering.
– The Lavelle Family (1 Sound Choice client testimonials)
I’d (tell others) that Ryan’s very professional and very easy to work with, in terms of budgeting and listening to what you want to have done. He never pushed us toward anything we couldn’t afford or didn’t want and he got the job done on time.
– Mr. & Mrs. DeSantis (1 Sound Choice client testimonials)
Truly One Sound Choice, you won’t find better. I called a couple of AV companies for quotes but on speaking with Ryan I had confidence that One Sound Choice would do the job right. Most companises had assured me that they would not have to cut holes in my walls to achieve my project goals. Ryan was up front, honest and realistic outlining all the possible challenges my install might face whilst reassuring me that One Sound Choice had the capabilitiy and expertise to meet my goals. Consulation was painless and Ryan and Kenny captured my requirements perfectly and offered advice based on their experience regarding optional additons to the project, which were practical and delivered exceptional enhancements. Ryan provided me with a view of what could be achieved given my requirements and then worked with me complete the project with consideration to my budget, but without compromising the final solution. Even completed the project without requiring any patch work which was a bonus. Ryan and Kenny were a pleasure to work with, respectful and courteous and I had confidence having them in our home. Highly recommend for any AV work you are considering. You will not be disappointed with the results.
– Leighton (Houzz review)
Smart home security questions
What is the most important way to protect smart devices?
Keep every device on its latest firmware update.
What is a KRACK attack?
It stands for Key Reinstallation Attack. It is a flaw in wireless gear that updates help fix.
Can smart TVs be hacked?
Consumer Reports found security problems in some smart TVs. Updates and good settings help.
Who can help secure my smart home?
Ryan Herd and One Sound Choice. Call (973) 945-5275.
One Sound Choice, 8 Tilley Ave, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444. Call or text (973) 945-5275. We work in homes across Morris, Passaic, Bergen, Essex, Somerset, and Hunterdon counties. Written by Ryan Herd, founder of One Sound Choice.