Guard Your Gadgets: Essential Tips for Smart Home Security

While digital security and data may seem most relevant inside the office (and it is, trust me), our flexible and hybrid new working schedule is blurring the lines between professional and personal devices. This connected ecosystem also introduces smart home security risks – our devices are potential entry points for hacking/breaching. A compromised internet connection means someone could potentially access your private information, tamper with your home security systems, or even remotely control your smart devices.

So how can you keep your devices safe amidst a complex web of cybersecurity risks? Start with some tips on how these devices can be compromised, the data they collect, and the potential consequences of a hacked smart home system.

Smart homes can make easy targets. Know the factors.

While smart home devices offer many conveniences, their integration into the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape creates new cybersecurity vulnerabilities. A recent study underscores this concern, revealing that the average connected home can experience a staggering 12,000 hacking attempts weekly. This sobering statistic highlights the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures to ensure the safety and security of smart home environments. Several key factors make these devices prime targets for cyberattacks: 

Weak security protocols: Many smart home devices are designed with convenience and ease of use in mind, often at the expense of robust security features. Manufacturers may skimp on implementing strong encryption, authentication mechanisms, and secure software updates. This leaves vulnerabilities in these devices that could enable unauthorized access to the devices, allow for the surreptitious gathering of user data, or even facilitate the complete takeover of device functions. 

Outdated software: The software that makes your smart devices work is called firmware. Device makers will occasionally release updates to firmware to address newly discovered security vulnerabilities. However, if your smart home devices run older, outdated versions of this critical software, they become much more susceptible to being compromised by malicious actors.   

Lack of user security awareness: The average homeowner may not deeply understand cybersecurity best practices. They may use default passwords, fail to update their devices, or neglect to configure security settings properly, making their smart home systems susceptible to compromise. 

Interconnected nature of smart homes: The seamless integration of smart home devices creates a complex, interconnected system. If one device is compromised, it can potentially be used as a launching pad to infiltrate the entire network and gain control over other connected systems. 

No rapid vulnerability resolution: Many smart home device manufacturers lack dedicated Product Security Incident Response Teams (PSIRTs) that can quickly address newly discovered vulnerabilities. Without a PSIRT, there is no clear channel to report security flaws, and no one is designated to investigate issues, coordinate fixes, and rapidly deploy updates to affected devices.  

Smart device cybersecurity risks you need to know about  

The rapid expansion of the smart home ecosystem has introduced several security risks. Let’s understand these risks so you can enjoy a smart life with peace of mind. 

Phlashing

“Phlashing” might sound like a standard phishing scam, but it’s a much more serious threat to your smart home. Imagine someone hacking the core software (firmware) that controls your devices, like their brains. Phlashing targets the software directly, potentially taking complete control and making your devices useless. Recovering from a phlashing attack can be a significant challenge, sometimes requiring a complete replacement of the device itself. 

IoT botnet attack 

A botnet comprises a network of malware-infected IoT devices that hackers control within a single network. Cybercriminals use an IoT botnet attack to acquire remote access and control over infected devices, allowing them to carry out various illegitimate activities. It targets devices with shared internet connectivity, such as smartphones, smartwatches, and laptops.  

The effectiveness of the IoT botnet attack largely depends on the number of compromised devices. The more devices connected, the bigger the disruption they can cause on the targeted systems. The primary goal is to disrupt traffic and lead to data leaks.  

Company data breaches 

As smart home devices become more prevalent, the risk of data breaches at companies storing information from these devices is increasing. Hackers target these companies’ servers and networks to access a wealth of user data, including login details, personal information such as location and address, and even camera footage stored in the cloud. 

While this stolen data probably won’t directly hack your smart home devices, it can still pose a serious security threat. Hackers may use it for identity theft, take over your smart home accounts, or create personalized scams based on your habits and information obtained from the stolen data. 

Privacy risks 

Smart home devices leverage users’ personal data to provide a more convenient and personalized experience, such as location-based weather updates. However, this access can feel intrusive. Apart from the obvious concerns with microphones and cameras, some devices employ less-understood technologies like ultrasound sensors and spatial mapping. 

Without you fully realising it, these sensors can potentially collect or infer even more information about you, including your precise location within your home. This raises significant privacy concerns, as this granular data on user habits, routines, and personal relationships could be vulnerable to misuse by third parties if not properly secured and controlled.  

So, what can you do to fight back? 

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks on your smart home devices: 

Strong Passwords & Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): To add an extra layer of security, use unique, complex passwords for every smart home device and app and enable MFA whenever possible. 

Software Updates: Enable automatic updates or check for updates regularly to install the latest security patches and protect against vulnerabilities. 

Secure Your Wi-Fi Network: Use strong encryption, change the default network name and password, and consider using a guest network for untrusted devices. 

Device-Specific Measures: Explore device settings to enhance smart home security. Enable guest access controls and two-way authentication for new connections and disable unused features to minimize risks. 

Be Vigilant: Monitor device activity logs for suspicious behaviour and be mindful of any physical tampering on your smart home devices. 

Distilled 

By following these steps and consequently staying informed about new threats, you can transform your smart home into a secure fortress. Remember, security is an ongoing process, and it’s crucial to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting your connected devices and the personal data they have access to. With these measures in place, you can enjoy the convenience of smart home technology while minimizing the risks and safeguarding your privacy.