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

Is There A Reason To Be Concerned About Smart Home Hacking In Reno?

In many ways, smart tools like surveillance equipment and video doorbells have made our lives more secure. We are able to receive notifications if a stranger arrives at our front door, and we may even have footage delivered to us when suspicious activity is found. Having components we can communicate with via the internet warns us of potential threats instantly. But there is one main drawback. The access that benefits us is also creating a pathway for online invasions.

Although you don’t need to lay awake at night agonizing over smart home hacking in Reno, you should be cognizant of the risk involved and take steps to avoid it.

Methods To Prevent Smart Home Hacking

It would appear that practically everything is linked to the internet today - home security components, TVs, and even your everday appliances like ranges and fridges. The issue is that this creates more opportunities for hackers to break into your network. That doesn't mean you have to eschew wireless home security systems or other smart appliances. Alternatively, abide by these recommendations and do your part to keep intruders away from your network.


  • Protect with hard-to-guess passwords: This is a must for every account, including your wireless configuration. Use lower and upper casing and a blend of letters, special characters, and numbers. Avoid dates of birth, full words, or other options hackers might easily figure out. A password fabricator will provide something completely random and password management software can aid you in keeping tabs on your different passwords and accounts.


  • Change default settings: When setting up that new router, it’s likely to come with a preprogrammed password to facilitate the setup. Don’t forget to update it. Hackers may have these default passwords as well. Setting up your Wi-Fi network and router properly from day one is critical in maintaining your security.


  • Consider more than one network: Why include your smart oven, your security devices, and the laptop you use for work on one network? Many routers allow you to create a distinct guest network. Take advantage of it and safeguard personal material present on your desktop, laptop, and phone.


  • Add protection with a firewall: Firewalls aren’t merely for businesses. They might also be used on private network. Firewalls will pay close attention to the traffic on your network and thwart questionable activity. You can opt for a router with an incorporated firewall.


  • Use the latest encryption options and security protocols: If you own a newer router, you will likely have the ability to utilize WPA3, the latest wireless security protocol. If that’s not an option, WPA2 with AES encryption is still a good choice. You ought to find home security components that feature 128-bit or higher.


  • Ensure firmware and software is current: Keep your firmware and software at the latest levels for all devices, including your connected video cameras. Many times, these updates will fix vulnerabilities and tighten up your network security.
 

Beware of Lower Quality Smart Home Equipment In Reno

One of the perks of working with a trusted company like ADT is knowing that security devices are consistently being inspected to ensure there are no flaws hackers could take advantage of. Other knock-off options may not be so conscientious. Buying your surveillance systems, video doorbell, smart thermostat, and additional smart devices from one reputable company like ADT is the right move. And getting all of your systems hooked up at the same time will help ensure proper configuration, security, and performance. It’s also worthwhile to point out that ADT Command, your centralized touchscreen, employs two-way encryption when interacting with your smart devices.

Request Your Own Reno Home Security System

Now that you have more knowledge on how to keep your home network shielded from hackers, it’s time to get started on your own home security in Reno. The security experts at Secure24 Alarm Systems are here to find the right package for your home. Contact us at (775) 316-7001 or complete the form to upgrade your home’s protection.