How to protect your smart home security from hackers

Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to remain on the watch for cybercriminals and their immoral actions. Alongside educating yourself on what best digital security practices you should follow, here’s how to secure your smart home security system.

Quality locks at home entry points

Smart locks are great for the modern home as your smartphone or device can control them. But, like traditional mechanical locks, it’s ideal to never skimp on the quality of the lock. You may also want to consider investing in a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for your home, as it provides heightened security from hackers.

DIY home security

Strong Wi-Fi password

While having an easy, go-to password like ‘1234’ or ‘1111’ may be tempting, doing so won’t provide your network with much defence against hackers. Now, your password doesn’t have to be as long as a Shakespearean soliloquy, but it should:

• contain a mix of capital and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols
• avoid common phrases
• are not the same as any other passwords. 

If you’re comfortable to do so, you may decide to write your Wi-Fi passwords down and keep them in a safe and secure place. Or try a trusted password manager. It’s worth it for the extra security.

Don’t forget to change the username provided by the internet provider. The supplied username could make it easier to give away the make or model – info hackers might find handy.

Set up a guest network for visitors

As much as you trust your friends and family, sharing your Wi-Fi password can compromise your home security. If someone logs into your primary network with a device housing malware or a virus, it could spread to your other devices. Play it safe and set up a guest network for visitors. It doesn’t require any extra gear to do so, and can usually be done in a matter of minutes.

Use two-factor authentication

If your smart device apps offer two-factor authentication, use it. Two-factor authentication means a code is sent to your phone or email and used to sign in with the device’s password. Sure, it takes some effort, but it is worth it for the extra security and peace of mind.

Update your devices

While it may be tempting to ignore the software update notifications on your devices – frankly, we all do it – this prolonging may put them at risk of being compromised. Most updates come with important security upgrades, so always abide by them. If it will take a while to update your device, look to do it overnight. Or, start the update, put on the kettle, grab a good book and have a mini digital detox.

Always put a PIN on your phone

Remember that your smart phone or tablet is the key to everything in a smart home, so have a strong passcode on your mobile device in case they get lost or stolen – this goes for any other tablets or smart devices you use. Also, make sure to keep the lock screen timer on low. If it’s set to five minutes, that's more than enough time for a thief to get in and search around. Go for the 30-second option and lock things down!

Replace outdated devices

You may have sentimentality towards an older device, making it difficult to part with. But it’s wise to update your devices regularly for your online security. That doesn’t mean you have to throw it in the rubbish. Instead, if the device works fine, donate it to a charity that gives devices to those is need.

Monitor your network

We are all too familiar with how disruptive viruses can be – especially concerning your computer, device or internet network. Ensure that you have trusted virus protection software installed on your devices. Also, be mindful of the sites you visit. Malware (malicious software) is increasingly prevalent online and can severely disrupt your smart home security system, so watch out!

How AAMI Home Insurance can help

Now that you have the know-how to put yourself in the best position to secure your smart home security system, look at other ways to protect your home and contents, like insurance! Discover an AAMI Home Insurance policy that’s great for your lifestyle today.

Explore AAMI Home Insurance

Read more:

• Setting up home security systems
• How to best protect your home from burglary
• How and why to avoid underinsurance

Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as AAMI. Limits, conditions and exclusions apply. Emergency funds are an advance for eligible customers, deducted from the overall claim. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. The Target Market Determination is also available. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.