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Protect your smart home devices

By 2028, it is anticipated that over a third of households around the world will have smart home systems installed. Voice assistants, kitchen robots, smart lights and many other intelligent devices have become part of our everyday life, transforming the way we interact with our living space. However, with the rise of smart technology comes the need for robust protection against potential vulnerabilities. Kaspersky shares useful tips on how to look after smart home devices’ security on a daily basis, to make your home not only comfortable, but also secure.

Why do we call it ‘smart’?

Smart home systems integrate various devices, creating a ‘living’ environment, enabling seamless interaction between gadgets and users. Usually, it has a central hub or controller, which acts as the brain of the smart home. Smart home systems can include a wide variety of devices and appliances, such as cameras, sensors, actuators, and multiple household gadgets, including fridges, toasters, washing machines, and vacuum cleaners. These devices connect with each other and other systems via the Internet.

Users can choose between different options when interacting with their smart home:

• Mobile apps that allow users to control devices, set schedules, and receive notifications even outside the house.

• Voice assistants, which enable voice commands to control devices.

• Web portals and online dashboards that provide access to device settings and monitoring after logging in to the user’s account.

Comfort and ease of use are the main advantages of a smart home system. Users can set specific times for devices to perform actions, for example, turning on lights at sunset. Devices can also be programmed to respond to specific events, such as turning on the thermostat when the user arrives home. Even TVs with built-in AI technology, which can help you to discover dishes in shows as they appear on screen, find the recipe, and then compare the products needed for their preparation with those that are in your fridge and make a shopping list. This is no longer a fantasy.

Despite the advantages that a smart home system offers, its Achilles' heel is the Internet connection. Connectivity of all devices to a local Wi-Fi network, as well as the need to log into personal accounts, makes intelligent gadgets potentially vulnerable to hacking. There are already examples of attackers gaining unauthorised access to Ecovacs robot vacuums, using them to spy on their owners and disrupt them with loud noises and erratic movements. Even an Internet-connected mattress system, in theory, can be hacked, making the gadget potentially unsafe to use.

The vacuum cleaner is watching you

The idea that the regular household items surrounding you every day might be sharing personal data, overhearing, or even watching you, sounds terrifying. However, there is no need to stop using your favourite gadgets. Though examples of smart home device attacks are still rare, basic security rules are essential to safely enjoy the benefits of smart technology, preventing hackers from using them against you.

1. Secure your Wi-Fi network. It is highly recommended to change the system password that many Wi-Fi routers have by default to a more complex and secure one.

2. Monitor your network regularly. Look out for any suspicious activity on your local network or even consider using specific monitoring tools like Kaspersky Wi-Fi Security Check, which alerts you if Wi-Fi security settings are weak or if there are open ports that could allow unauthorised access to your Wi-Fi or smart home devices and Smart Home Monitor. It can notify you when a new device joins your Wi-Fi network so that you can disconnect it.

3. Track your device’s activity. Any device’s unusual behaviour might be a signal that somebody has access to it. If you notice suspicious activity, it is recommended to change your account password (if you are logged in on the device) and check your local network traffic.

4. Review the settings regularly. Less is more. Disable any unnecessary features or services on your device that could pose a risk to your privacy or security. For example, you can disable access to a device’s camera and microphone if you are not currently using these functions.

5. Make rational choices. The prospect of using as many smart devices as possible looks pretty tempting, but remember that every new gadget increases the potential risk to your security, so choose carefully and opt for responsible manufacturers.

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