ADT® Authorized Dealer Serving Entire Chicagoland Metro Area
December 05, 2022

Should You Be Concerned About Smart Home Hacking In Chicago?

In many ways, smart components like security cameras and video doorbells have enhanced our security. We can get updates when a visitor walks up to our front porch, and we may even have footage delivered to us when suspicious activity is detected. Having components we may access via the internet advises us to prospective threats immediately. But there is one primary disadvantage. The access we enjoy is also creating a pathway for hackers.

Even though you shouldn’t lose sleep fretting over smart home hacking in Chicago, you should be cognizant of the potential danger and take steps to circumvent it.

Methods To Block Smart Home Hacking

It’s astonishing how the internet has changed our daily lives as just about anything is accessible wirelessly, including your security devices, smart TVs, and even your coffee maker. This also produces more pathways for cyber criminals to break into your network. That doesn't mean you have to avoid wireless home security systems or other smart devices. Alternatively, follow these recommendations and do what you can to keep prowlers away from your network.


  • Create hard-to-crack passwords: This is a must for any account, including your wireless configuration. Use uppercase and lowercase and an assortment of letters, numbers, and acceptable special characters. Avoid dates of birth, street names, or other things hackers might easily determine. A password generator will give you something completely random and password management software can help you track your different accounts.


  • Update default settings: When hooking up that new router, it will probably come with a preprogrammed password to facilitate the setup. Don’t forget to update it. Hackers will know these default passwords as well. Setting up your wireless network and new router properly in the beginning will go a long way to keeping you secure.


  • Create separate networks: Why include your smart fridge, your home security components, and your home computer on a single network? Many routers permit you to initiate a different guest network. Make use of it and protect private information found on your phone, desktop, and laptop.


  • Consider installing a firewall: Firewalls aren’t just for business settings. They might also be integrated with your home network. Firewalls will keep an eye on the traffic on your network and stop suspect activity. You might begin with a router including a built-in firewall.


  • Use the latest encryption options and security protocols: If you’re using a newer router, you will likely be able to use WPA3, the latest wireless security protocol. If not, WPA2 with AES encryption will do the job. You ought to install home security devices that protect with 128-bit or higher.


  • Be certain software and firmware is updated: Keep your software and firmware up to date for all components, which includes your integrated surveillance units. Many times, these updates will fix various susceptibilities and tighten up your network’s security.
 

Beware of Lower Quality Smart Home Components In Chicago

When working with a reputable company like ADT, you’ll find that any security gaps in surveillance systems or other components are managed in a quick and appropriate manner. Other off-the-shelf options might not be so conscientious. Buying your surveillance systems, video doorbell, smart thermostat, and additional smart devices from a single source like ADT makes sense. And having all of your components hooked up at the same time will help ensure flawless integration, operation, and security. It’s also worthwhile to point out that ADT Command, the central touchpad interface, utilizes two-way encryption when communicating with your integrated components.

Customize Your Own Chicago Home Security System

As you now have a better idea on how to keep your home network secure, It’s the right moment to get started on your own home defense system in Chicago. The security experts at Secure24 Alarm Systems are here to find the perfect package for your family. Call (312) 319-8662 or submit the form to upgrade your home’s protection.