CYBERSECURITY
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Creating a Cybersecurity Checklist A List of Things That You Should Know to Make a Smart Home Network Safer By Dan Martin Cybersecurity technology has experienced a tremendous surge in consumer interest in 2021 that has shown no signs of slowing down. The trend is largely because developers are introducing numerous innovations in this realm, at a pace that meets market demand. Just think: the things we thought we would only see in sci-fi movies are quickly turning into reality. Remember Iron Man and his smart home? Evaluating the fictional character Tony Stark, from his 1960s incarnation to the present, reveals how smart home concepts truly progressed. In our modern era, we can pinpoint smart home technology’s emergence from society’s current reliance on high-tech gadgetry and the internet. The Internet of Things (IoT) is the mechanism that currently powers smart homes. All programmable devices, smart appliances, and devices in contemporary smart homes are connected to the internet. Think back 20 years ago at the thought of remotely changing the thermostat while not at home or watching your kids through security cameras. These capabilities are now not only possible, but more and more commonplace.
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Residential Tech Today | Summer 2021
While useful tools, smart devices can also pose tremendous risks as their connection to the internet invites cyberattacks. This is where cybersecurity enters the picture. Lack of significant cybersecurity in smart homes has been a concern since high-profile cyberattacks started occurring earlier this year. Often, the IoT lacks significant protective measures for consumer-grade structures. The IoT does not have the same security that mobile devices and computers use either. That’s why the system is at risk for malicious attacks. Smart Home Cyberattacks Cyberattacks are vicious attempts to breach another individual’s information system. These attacks are largely preventable if you practice basic device security measures, i.e., securing smart devices, sophisticated password creations, using SSL proxy or device updates and the like. SSL proxy encrypts your smart connections by providing high security and anonymity. These proxies will prevent cybercriminals from accessing your data. Indeed, encryption is the key to adding an extra layer of security. With these types of cybersecurity practices in place, why do smart home cyberattacks happen?
Most people are unaware that smart home devices do not have the security updates that other devices regularly get. Some smart appliances lack system hardening, while some have passwords without encryption. If your smart device is compromised, it is easy for hackers to gain your data. Moreover, it makes your home exceptionally vulnerable. Below are a few possible scenarios that could occur if your smart home system is compromised. These can include, but are not limited to: Compromised smart home speaker: Hackers can listen to your conversations as a way to gain access to your passwords or user data. Accessed smart home thermostat: Hackers will have an idea when you might not be home. Compromised smart device or home network: Hackers can use it to launch a DDoS attack against a remote device. Despite the threats of cyberattacks, 40.8 percent (comfyliving.net) of smart homes have at least one device that is vulnerable to cyber threats. More than 69 percent of these devices are at risk due to weak access credentials.
