As new smart devices arrive on the market, they promise to make life easier and to help our lives run more efficiently. Whilst they are typically aimed at busy professionals, they are now present in a wide variety of homes. Whether you are using a digital assistant to record your shopping list or automatic lights controlled through a smart system, all of these functions are vulnerable and could be controlled by an unauthorised person from outside your home. As technology advances, it does come with some risks. Our homes, once considered our sanctuary, can no longer be considered a safe place as we allow more and more of these devices into our lives.
Smart, internet technology is growing hugely in popularity and becoming more commonplace in the home, so it is important that you learn how to secure all of the new, connected devices. If your home contains smart devices that are connected to the internet, then you must ensure that you have adequate protection in order to keep your family safe. The consequences of not protecting these devices could be potentially devastating. Not only could attackers steal your data for identify fraud or to make unauthorised purchases, but you are also opening your family up to instances of child exploitation, such as grooming.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is the term given to all of the appliances and devices that connect to the internet within your home, and this can include anything from digital doorbells to washing machines and kettles. There are also apps which can control everything from your oven to your home heating. All of these products are a potential doorway for a cyber attack to penetrate your home network. However, whilst there is a feeling of distrust with these devices, people are just not prepared to give them up as they feel the benefits outweigh the negatives. It is possible to use these devices and keep yourself safe, you don’t just have to accept the negative consequences. You have the power to secure your home, with just a few simple steps.