A reliable internet connection is crucial in enabling smart home devices to work effectively. When connected to the internet, smart home devices can make our lives convenient and more efficient. However, whether we like it or not, without proper security measures in your broadband connection, hackers and cybercriminals can infiltrate your smart devices.
A cybercriminal infiltrating a router is called a Man in the Middle attack. In this type of attack, hackers position themselves between a user and the device, accessing any exchanged information between the two parties without the user knowing. Once someone has access to your connection, the sky's the limit. Through this, hackers can retrieve login credentials, banking details or any other form of personal information.
In the case of a smart home ecosystem, your internet connection and router are essentially the front doors to your smart home.
Once accessed, hackers can easily steal your personal information and take control of your smart devices.
For instance, someone could control your smart security system to know if you're currently home or not. Another could hijack your security cameras and baby monitors and access any video recordings. They could retrieve any personal information you've shared with your smart assistant, including passwords, overheard conversations, and even financial details.
Unfortunately, once a device is infiltrated, a cybercriminal has access to the entire ecosystem. Most routers and smart devices have little to no security measures built in to make matters worse. It makes them incredibly susceptible to cyber attacks.
While device security is an issue out of our hands, we can still take the appropriate measures in creating a more secure network for your smart home.
The simplest way to add security to your network is by changing your router's username and password. Many cybercriminals will probably know the default credentials of the router. When changing your router's password, avoid common or generic passwords.
Encrypting muddles the data and information exchanged between your network and devices. By adding encryption, you add another layer of security that makes it more difficult for cybercriminals to access your network and retrieve information.
A key aspect of making your router vulnerable to hackers is outdated software. Without updating your router or device's software, you miss out on new security updates that may protect your network. Read more about the importance of updating software here.
