Start with Your Router
Most smarthome devices require access to the internet to work correctly.
So in many ways, the single most significant point of vulnerability is your router.
Andsecuring your routershould be your first step.
You should change your default admin password used pull up the router.
Update the router’s firmware if it’s out of date, and enable encryption.
Always use a complicated password unique to your Wi-Fi router.
All you need is tofind your router’s IP address.
Mesh routers, on the other hand, don’t have a web interface.
You’ll make the changes from an app.
Dashlane
If your router’s manufacturer isn’t offering new firmware anymore, you should consider replacing it.
Usually, that involves downloading an app and creating a user account.
Every gadget you create an account for should have a unique, complicated password.
Dashlane
If you don’t already, consider using apassword manager.
Services likeLastPassorDashlanecan help you create and keep track of long and complicated passwords.
With two-factor authentication, after you provide your password, you then give additional proof of identity.
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Two-step authentication can help prevent that from happening.
Check the apps associated with your smart devices wherever possible turn it on.
We recommend pairing two-factor authentication with an authenticator app, like Google Authenticator foriOSandAndroid.
Manufacturers regularly find problems and patch them, and often add new features along the way.
Generally, you’ve got the option to update most smarthome devices through an app.
That includes Z-wave and ZigBee gadgets you connect to a smart hub.
You’ll check the smart hub’s app for those updates.
If you aren’t sure, check the manufacturer’s website.
Related:What is Firmware or Microcode, and How Can I Update My Hardware?
Some you may have heard of, many will likely be entirely unfamiliar.
Most smarthome unit you introduce into your home communicate with servers in the cloud.
The question is: “who owns those servers?”
Unless you’re a security researcher who enjoys the challenge, you probably shouldn’t be the guinea pig.
And besides that, the biggest problem with smarthomes is that yourdevices might stop working.
But what you do get is a track record to examine.
And with an established history, you could even see what a company handles failure.
The company explained what happened, why it happened, and how it was going to fix it.
If you found a product from a new manufacturer, give a shot to find reviews from multiple sites.
If all you could find is Amazon reviews, checkFakespotto see if the reviews are real.
take a stab at find any history you could before making the purchase.
If it’s possible for you to’t find established history and real reviews, skip the gadget.
It’s best not to do anything sensitive on public Wi-Fi networks.
Related:Why Using a Public Wi-Fi internet Can Be Dangerous, Even When Accessing Encrypted Websites
