ADT® Authorized Dealer Serving St. Petersburg, Largo, Clearwater, & Surrounding Areas
December 05, 2022

Should You Worry About Smart Home Hacking In St. Petersburg?

In many ways, smart tools like security cameras and video doorbells have enhanced our security. We are able to receive alerts when a stranger arrives at our front steps, and we can have footage sent to us when dubious movements are detected. Having devices we are able to access over the internet advises us to prospective threats immediately. But there is one primary drawback. The quick access we enjoy is also cracking a door open for hackers.

Even though you don’t have to lose sleep agonizing over smart home hacking in St. Petersburg, you should be cognizant of the potential danger and take steps to steer clear of it.

Ways To Block Smart Home Hacking

It would seem that nearly everything is linked to the internet nowadays - home security devices, TVs, and even your kitchen appliances like ovens and refrigerators. The issue is that this generates more pathways for hackers to sneak into your network. Even so, you don’t need to forgo wireless home protection packages or other smart devices. Alternatively, follow these suggestions and take steps to keep invaders out of your network.


  • Create hard-to-guess passwords: This is a requirement for any account, especially your home’s wireless network. Use upper and lower casing and a blend of letters, special characters, and numbers. Stay away from dates of birth, full words, or other things hackers might easily determine. A password fabricator will provide something absolutely random and a password management tool will assist you in tracking your many passwords and accounts.


  • Change default settings: When you first unbox a new router, it’s likely to come with a standard password to facilitate the setup. Change it. Hackers are likely to have these default settings as well. Setting up your private network and new router correctly at the start will go a long way to keeping you protected.


  • Consider more than one network: Why include your smart oven, your security devices, and your home computer on a single network? Most routers will let you create a distinct guest network. Be sure to use it and shield personal material found on your phone, desktop, and laptop.


  • Add protection with a firewall: Firewalls aren’t just for business settings. They can also be incorporated into your private network. Firewalls will watch your network’s traffic and stop suspect activity. You might opt for a router with an integrated firewall.


  • Utilize the top encryption standards and security protocols: If you own a recently manufactured router, you might be able to use WPA3, the latest wireless security protocol. If that’s not available, WPA2 with AES encryption is still a good choice. You should look for home security devices that protect with 128-bit encryption or higher.


  • Make sure software and firmware is up-to-date: Keep your operating systems on the most recent version for all components, including your connected camera surveillance. Many times, these updates will address vulnerabilities and bolster your network security.
 

Beware of Cheap Smart Home Devices In St. Petersburg

When working with a reputable company like ADT, you’ll find that any security gaps in surveillance systems or other components are managed in a prompt and professional manner. Other knock-off products might not be quite as diligent. Buying your video cameras, smart thermostat, video doorbell, and additional items from a single supplier like ADT is a wise choice. And getting all of your components connected at once will go a long way to ensuring proper implementation, performance, and security. It’s also worthwhile to point out that ADT Command, your centralized touchscreen, employs two-way encryption when interacting with your connected devices.

Design Your Own St. Petersburg Wireless Home Security Package

As you now have a greater understanding on how to keep your wireless network secure, it’s time to begin designing your own home security in St. Petersburg. The security specialists at Secure24 Alarm Systems will help you find the perfect package for your family. Call (727) 258-2938 or complete the form to get started.