In the last article, I identified five steps to reduce your risk with the use of smart technology. Now I will talk about how to accomplish each step, knowing it can be the difference between security and vulnerability. 

Step 1: Change default passwords.

Since manufacturers often ship every unit of a given model with the same default credentials, hackers don’t need to guess your password. They just need to know the model, then search online for the freely available lists of default credentials.

When you change a password, make it strong; at least 12 characters with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Use a password manager to securely store your passwords if that works better.

Step 2: Keep firmware updated.

Firmware is the built-in software that runs your smart device. Manufacturers routinely release firmware updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and patch known security vulnerabilities. The challenge, however, is that unlike your smart phone, most smart home devices don’t remind you to update. Here’s a practical approach:

1. Most devices have a companion app to use. Look for a “Settings” or “Device Info” section where firmware updates are usually found.

2. Enable automatic updates if the option exists. 

3. Set a calendar reminder every three months to manually check devices that don’t auto-update.

4. Once a device is considered “end of life,” consider replacement as the safest option.

Step 3: The guest network is your single most powerful move.

This step gives you the most protection for the least effort. Consider your home Wi-Fi network like a building. Right now, all your devices are in the same building with no interior doors. If one device is compromised, an attacker can “walk” freely to all the others.

A guest network adds a locked door between your smart and personal devices. Even if your smart TV gets hacked, the attacker is stuck in the “lobby.” They can’t reach your laptop or your bank app.

Setting one up is fairly easy:

1. Log in to your router’s admin page; usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into your browser’s address bar. Your router’s manual or the label on the back of the router will confirm the address and default login.

2. Look for a “Guest Network” or “Guest Wi-Fi” option in the settings. 

3. Create the network with a strong, unique password (different from your main network,) then connect all your smart home devices to it. Leave your computers, phones, and tablets on the main network.

Step 4: Know what you have; retire what you don’t need.

Most households have more connected devices than they realize. Old smart plugs, an old Wi-Fi speaker, old security cameras, a tablet the kids used in middle school; each representing a potential vulnerability. Take time to:

1. Walk through your home, listing every device connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Check your router’s admin page to see every device currently connected to your network.

2. Ask: Do I still use this? Is the manufacturer still supporting it with updates? A quick web search for “[brand] [model] end of life” will usually give you the answer.

3. Unplug or factory-reset devices you no longer use and remove them from your network.

4. When buying new devices, look for brands that clearly publish how long they will support a product with security updates. 

Step 5: Turn off what you don’t use.

Smart home devices are engineered to do as much as possible out of the box. That means remote access is on. The microphone is listening. Data-sharing with the manufacturer’s servers is enabled. Location tracking may be active. All of this is turned on by default because it makes the device more useful, but it also creates more ways for something to go wrong.

Go through each device’s settings, asking yourself do I actually use this?

1. Remote access: Disable it if you don’t regularly control the device from outside your home.

2. Voice activation: If your smart TV has a microphone but you never use voice commands, turn it off.

3. Data sharing /analytics: Consider opting out of sharing usage data with the manufacturer. 

4. Universal Plug and Play: This is a router-level setting that automatically opens ports for devices that request them. Consider disabling it in your router settings unless a specific device requires it.

The Bottom Line

None of these steps require you to be a tech expert. They just require a couple of hours and some intentional attention. Smart home technology is genuinely useful. These steps are how you get to keep it that way.

Karen Clay, Clay Technology and Multimedia

Courtesy, Karen Clay