ADT® Authorized Dealer Serving Oakland, Alameda, Berkeley, & Surrounding Areas
December 05, 2022

Do You Need To Be Concerned About Smart Home Hacking In Oakland?

In a variety of ways, smart tools like security cameras and video doorbells have boosted our home security. We can get notifications when a visitor arrives at our front porch, and we can even have video segments sent to us when questionable behavior is detected. Having devices we are able to access via the internet alerts us to prospective risks immediately. But there is one chief downside. The quick access we enjoy is also opening a door online invasions.

Although you don’t need to lose sleep worrying about smart home hacking in Oakland, you need to be cognizant of the potential danger and take steps to steer clear of it.

How To Block Smart Home Hacking

It’s astonishing how the internet has impacted our everyday lives as all types of products are accessible online, including your security components, smart TVs, and even your coffee maker. This also generates more pathways for cyber criminals to break into your network. With that being said, you don’t have to forgo wireless home protection packages or other smart devices. Alternatively, follow these suggestions and do what you can to keep invaders away from your network.


  • Use hard-to-crack passwords: This is a must for every account, especially your home’s wireless network. Use uppercase and lowercase and an assortment of letters, numbers, and acceptable special characters. Don’t use birth dates, full words, or anything else hackers might easily determine. A password fabricator will supply you with something absolutely random and password management software can assist you in tracking your various accounts.


  • Avoid default settings: When hooking up a new router, it will probably come with a preset password to facilitate the setup. Adjust it immediately. Hackers will have these default settings as well. Configuring your private network and home router properly from day one is critical in keeping you secure.


  • Set up separate networks: Why have your smart fridge, your security devices, and your home computer on the same network? Most routers permit you to initiate a distinct guest network. Make use of it and safeguard personal information present on your phone, desktop, and laptop.


  • Install a firewall: Firewalls aren’t merely for businesses. They can also be incorporated into your home network. Firewalls are able to keep an eye on what’s happening on your network and stop suspicious activity. You might opt for a router including a built-in firewall.


  • Utilize the latest encryption standards and security protocols: If you have a recently manufactured router, you will likely be able to use WPA3, the current wireless security protocol. If that’s not available, WPA2 with AES encryption is still a good choice. You should look for home security components that use 128-bit or higher.


  • Be certain firmware and software is current: Keep your operating systems up to date for all devices, including your integrated video cameras. Many times, these updates will fix vulnerabilities and bolster your network’s security.
 

Be Cautious of Shoddy Smart Home Components In Oakland

Name brands like ADT and Google have their status to protect and will quickly make an effort to rectify a security issue in their components. Other lesser-known products might not be quite as diligent. Purchasing your video cameras, smart thermostat, video doorbell, and other smart devices from one source like ADT is the right move. And having all of your components connected simultaneously will help ensure flawless configuration, security, and performance. It’s also worthwhile to point out that ADT Command, the central touchpad interface, utilizes two-way encryption when communicating with your smart devices.

Customize Your Own Oakland Home Security System

Since you now have more knowledge on how to keep your private network safe from cyber criminals, it’s time to start on your own smart home security system in Oakland. The security professionals at Secure24 Alarm Systems are ready to find the ideal package for your family. Call (510) 295-0552 or complete the form to take your protection to a new level.