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  • Your Smart Home Can Be Hacked Too
Technology Articles > Software > Security & Privacy > Your Smart Home Can Be Hacked Too

We live in a world full of hacking. From government files to iPhones, it’s possible for hackers to tap into anything you own that’s technical. But most people don’t think about hacking when it comes to household appliances.

The reality is, though, that any appliance you have in your house can be hacked if it’s on the grid. From baby monitors to washing machines, hackers aren’t just aiming for your computer anymore. Here’s how to keep your home entirely safe from hackers that seek to wreak havoc.

The Rise of the Smart Home

Smart Home devices exist to make live easier, but this also means more advanced devices that can easily be hacked into. Why would anyone want to hack into, say, your washing machine? Some hackers just want to cause trouble, and some want to mess with your comfort and safety by playing with things like heat control and electricity. There’s a scarier aspect to this as well. Some hackers are simply looking to break into your home using all of those security features that you thought were making your home safer.

If you currently use a smart home device to secure thing like the windows and doors in your home, you could be setting yourself up for a break in. All it takes is one hacker to tap into your window security, for example, and your windows will open up and let a robber inside without that person actually breaking and entering - all they have to do is tap into that security system from afar.

Why Smart Home Devices Aren’t Safe

Smart home manufacturers are focused on one thing when creating these devices. Their main concern is how to make your life easier by providing a technical solution to an everyday problem. What they’re not focused on is securing those devices. So what can you do if you want to get in on the smart home trend, but you really don’t want to be the victim of a hack? The best way to avoid any hacking issues is to look at the numbers when purchasing a device.

If you look closely enough at most smart home devices, you will see a security percentage (or you can call a manufacturer and ask for this information). That number will give you a better idea about whether or not the product you are thinking of purchasing is actually secure. You can make better and safe purchasing decisions based on that number. There’s also something else that you can do.

Changing Security Codes

The other really important thing to do is to make sure that you change a device’s security code once you purchase it, and then once a month after that. Most people never bother to change these codes, but that’s a huge mistake. It’s also advisable to change the password to any device regularly. Never use a password that was provided with a device, and after that make sure to change the password as often as possible (once per month) to safeguard your home.

While home tech can help save you money when it comes to heating, electricity, or just helping you live life more efficiently, more tech means a higher chance of being hacked.