ADT® Authorized Dealer Serving Baltimore & Surrounding Areas
December 05, 2022

Do You Need To Be Concerned About Smart Home Hacking In Baltimore?

In a variety of ways, smart components like surveillance systems and video doorbells have boosted our home security. We have the ability to receive updates if a visitor walks up to our front door, and we can have video clips sent to us when suspicious movements are happening. Having components we are able to communicate with via the internet warns us of potential risks immediately. But there is one chief drawback. The quick access we enjoy is also creating a pathway for hackers.

Although you don’t have to get yourself in a panic worrying about smart home hacking in Baltimore, you should be aware of the risk involved and implement a plan to avoid it.

Methods To Prevent Smart Home Hacking

It would seem that just about everything is connected to the internet these days - home security devices, televisions, and even your kitchen appliances like ovens and fridges. The issue is that this produces more opportunities for virtual villains to invade your network. Even so, you don’t need to eschew wireless home security systems or other smart appliances. Alternatively, follow these tips and do what you can to keep intruders off your network.


  • Create strong passwords: This is a requirement for any account, including your wireless configuration. Use lower and upper casing and a blend of numbers, letters, and special characters. Stay away from birthdays, anniversaries, or other options hackers could easily figure out. A password creator will supply you with something completely random and a password management tool can assist you in tracking your many passwords and accounts.


  • Update default settings: When you first unbox your new router, it’s likely to come with a preset password to help you get started. Change it. Hackers will be aware of these default settings too. Setting up your Wi-Fi network and router correctly at the start is vital in maintaining your security.


  • Create more than one network: Why put your smart range, your security sensors, and your work laptop on one network? Most routers will let you set up a different guest network. Be sure to use it and protect important information present on your desktop, laptop, and phone.


  • Consider installing a firewall: Firewalls aren’t merely for businesses. They might also be incorporated into your home network. Firewalls can watch your network’s traffic and stop suspect activity. You might start with a router that offers a built-in firewall.


  • Use the most up-to-date encryption standards and security protocols: If you’re using a new router, you might have the ability to utilize WPA3, the most up-to-date wireless security protocol. If that’s not available, WPA2 with AES encryption is still a good choice. You need to look for home security devices that protect with 128-bit or higher.


  • Ensure firmware and software is current: Keep your firmware and software at the latest levels for all equipment, including your integrated surveillance units. Frequently, these updates will fix various susceptibilities and tighten up your network’s security.
 

Beware of Cheap Smart Home Components In Baltimore

When you work with a reputable company like ADT, you’ll find that any security vulnerabilities in cameras or other components are handled in a prompt and professional fashion. Other lesser-known products might not act in the same fashion. Purchasing your surveillance systems, video doorbell, smart thermostat, and additional items from one source like ADT is the right move. And having all of your equipment installed at the same time will go a long way to ensuring flawless configuration, performance, and security. It’s also good to know that ADT Command, the central touchpad interface, employs two-way encryption when engaging with with your connected components.

Customize Your Own Baltimore Wireless Home Security Package

As you now have a greater understanding on how to keep your wireless network shielded from hackers, it’s time to start on your own smart home security system in Baltimore. The security experts at Secure24 Alarm Systems will help you customize the ideal package for your family. Contact us at (410) 934-3289 or complete the form to upgrade your home’s protection.