ADT® Authorized Dealer Serving The Entire New Orleans Metro Area
December 05, 2022

Do You Need To Worry About Smart Home Hacking In New Orleans?

In many ways, smart components like security cameras and video doorbells have made our lives more secure. We have the ability to get updates if someone walks up to our front porch, and we can have footage delivered to us when suspicious activity is found. Having devices we may access through the internet alerts us to prospective risks instantly. But there is one main downside. The access that keeps us connected is also cracking a door open for hackers.

While you don’t have to lay awake at night agonizing over smart home hacking in New Orleans, you should be cognizant of the risk involved and take steps to avoid it.

Ways To Protect Yourself From Smart Home Hacking

It’s amazing how the internet has influenced our lives as seemingly everything is accessible wirelessly, including your security devices, smart TVs, and even your oven. The issue is that this creates more pathways for cyber criminals to break into your network. That doesn't mean you have to forgo wireless home defense systems or other smart appliances. Rather, consider these tips and take steps to keep intruders away from your network.


  • Create hard-to-guess passwords: This is a must for any account, and that includes your wireless configuration. Use uppercase and lowercase and a mix of numbers, letters, and special characters. Don’t use birthdays, street names, or anything else hackers could easily guess. A password creator will supply you with something completely random and a password management tool will assist you in tracking your various accounts and passwords.


  • Change default settings: When hooking up your new router, it’s likely to come with a preprogrammed password to facilitate the setup. Change it. Hackers will know these default passwords too. Establishing your private network and home router correctly at the start is critical in maintaining your security.


  • Set up more than one network: Why include your smart range, your home security components, and your work laptop on one network? Many routers allow you to create a separate guest network. Take advantage of it and safeguard important material present on your phone, desktop, and laptop.


  • Consider installing a firewall: Firewalls aren’t only for business settings. They may also be incorporated into your personal network. Firewalls are able to pay close attention to what’s happening on your network and stop questionable activity. You could begin with a router that offers a built-in firewall.


  • Use the top encryption options and security protocols: If you have a recently manufactured router, you will likely have the chance to utilize 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 protect with 128-bit encryption or higher.


  • Ensure software and firmware is up-to-date: Keep your firmware and software on the most recent version for all components, including your connected surveillance units. Frequently, these updates will patch vulnerabilities and improve your security.
 

Be Cautious of Cheap Smart Home Components In New Orleans

One of the benefits of choosing a reputable brand like ADT is knowing that security implements are constantly being inspected to address any flaws hackers could take advantage of. Other off-the-shelf brands might not be so conscientious. Buying your video cameras, smart thermostat, video doorbell, and other components from a single supplier like ADT is the right move. And deciding to have all of your components connected simultaneously will help ensure flawless configuration, security, and performance. It’s also good to know that ADT Command, the central touchpad interface, uses two-way encryption when communicating with your integrated components.

Customize Your Own New Orleans Home Defense Package

Since you now have more knowledge on how to keep your private network shielded from hackers, you’re ready to begin designing your own home security in New Orleans. The security specialists at Secure24 Alarm Systems will help you customize the ideal package for your property. Call (504) 291-4028 or complete the form to upgrade your home’s protection.