Smart Homes and Security

Reflectively, smart home devices use in people’s lives is becoming common, and this introduction of helpful devices comes with a high level of security threats. From voice-activated speakers and heating systems to cameras, and door locks internet-connected gadgets bring your house online, but also to hackers. In this blog post, the writer will explore smart home devices’ weaknesses, explore case studies, provide guidelines to improving the safety of smart home devices, and advise on aspects to consider when buying secure IoT devices.

1. Vulnerabilities Of Smart Home Devices

Smart devices seldom have excellent security measures, and so will be vulnerable to attack from hackers. Most of these devices are resource-constrained; their primary goal is to serve their intended purpose, without focusing as much on security; this leads to such devices having outdated encryption or poor authentication protocols. Let’s explore some of the common vulnerabilities.

2. Weak Default Passwords

Default login credentials on many smart devices are set to be not changed by the users themselves. This is an open secret to most cybercriminals who have the potential to easily penetrate into the devices due to default passwords in case they are not updated. Usernames and passwords are chosen intentionally and are usually easy to guess as people choose default username and password.

3. Unpatched Firmware

Manufacturers also fail to frequently update the device software and are hence likely to leave well-known susceptibilities unfixed. Lack of update firmware can be utilized by the attackers for the unauthorized access to devices. People do notpay attention so often to learn about updates with a belief thatonce they get the devices, then they are safe.

4. OPEN NETWORK ACCESS

Vulnerability also arises from the lack of encryption of data being transmitted between the device and cloud. Some of the connected gadgets operate under insecure channels, therefore, attackers can easily eavesdrop on the data being transmitted. This might be personal data, video from security cameras, or even a signal to unlock a smart lock.

5. INSECURE COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS

If your devices are connected to your home network, criminals can use these devices as a means of accessing your network. A study found that most or all users do not bother put measures in place in order to secure their home Wi-Fi networks. In essence, hackers can simply look for devices that are plugged into unguarded networks in order to do so.

6. POOR USER EDUCATION

Most of the users are not even aware of some of the most fundamental measures that have to be taken to avoid cyber threats. Phishing and social engineering attacks are simple to pull off, as many users will gladly grant access to their device. Education plays a major role in making sure that users will be protective of themselves.

7. INSECURE APIS

Most smart devices depend on application programming interface for interaction with their environments. In case these APIs are compromised, then attackers can easily get full control over the devices. When APIs are designed badly, they can open doors for fraudsters as well as provide access to any data of the connected device or other data that the device has access to.

8. PHYSICAL ACCESS

Products including smart door locks or cameras may be manipulated since they have a hardware component if exposed. One can get round digital security by getting direct access to the device. And if a device is convenient to use, it can be taken control with an intent to gain a control over all the smart home system.

APPARENTLY REAL-LIFE CASE STUDIES OF SMART DEVICE HACKS

To emphasize the importance of securing smart home devices, let’s examine some notable real-world breaches:

MIRAI BOTNET ATTACK (2016)

This notorious malware targeted IoT gadgets, particularly security cameras and routers, to transform those devices into a botnet that would stage large-scale Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks on well-known websites. It also showed each connected device left unsecure and unprotected could potentially be used in a large scale cyber attacks that would affect many users and organisations.

Ring Camera Breaches

The Ring security has been unveiled to be prone to attackers’ invasions with some cases reported where hackers managed to control the cameras as they spoke to families and abused some of the users. These breaches brought the absence of adequate levels of security protection in common home security goods into perspective.

NEST THERMOSTAT HACK (2020)

A woman had a hacker change the temperature of her home’s smart thermostat, thereby causing the house to get very hot. This not only rendered the situation unsafe but also Poi briefed all the possible vulnerability a smart home temperature controls posses. This can lead to high energy charges and unbearable conditions in homes and other buildings in extreme weathers.

VIZIO SMART TVS (2020)

Vizio was charged with spying on users of smart TVs in their homes without permission from the users. Obviously, this violation made people wonder whether manufactures pay too much attention to users’ activities. It stress the General Data Protection Regulation’s requirement of clarity for the individuals collecting data.

SMART THERMOSTAT SPECIFIC (2020)

Another example was focused on cyber criminals controlling smart heaters to make the homes of their residents uninhabitable. The enemies capitalized on these broken security measures to alter the temperatures which may cause harm to human beings in the homes.

These examples clearly depict the actual risks associated with nob securitized smart home gadgets and hence the rationale of sound security mechanisms.

How To Protect Smart Home Devices ?

USE STRONG PASSWORDS

Use standard rather set up and combined general passwords for each piece of equipment instead. Instead, make sure you use a password manager tool to keep track of all these passwords and be safe. Do not use words that can be easily figured out such as birth dates or phase from the song. Password should be of strong word like containing alphabets, figures and signs.

TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (2FA)

Many platforms of smart home have a two-factor authentication, which means one needs to identify himself using an additional device. This makes it further quite difficult for the attacker to make any unauthorized access since there is an additional gate to be opened. Always turn this option on when possible.

KEEP SOFTWARE UPDATED

To avoid experiencing an attack on the weak points that hackers look up to, always upgrade the firmware of your device. It is also advisable to program that your devices download updates automatically if possible or, otherwise, update your devices’ update files regularly.

SEGMENT YOUR NETWORK

Smart home devices should use a different network from the one used on other more sensitive personal data. Most routers today have a guest network feature that separates smart devices from such devices as computers and smartphones.

DISABLE UNUSED FEATURES

Disable unnecessary functions like when it is connected to the web and supports features such as remote control and voice control, which otherwise can pose security threats. The fewer features that are active, the more secure the system, or in other words, the fewer active features it has, the smaller its attack surface is. If you are not going to use a definite function, you had better turn it off to improve the protection.

MONITOR DEVICE BEHAVIOR

Daily and at least once per week, daily check the logs or the history of use of your smart home devices. If you see any anomalies in the connection or new gadgets are connected to your network, try to get to the bottom of it. It is often given logs which might point to cases of intrusion in your device.

DISABLE UNIVERSAL PLUG AND PLAY (UPNP)

Disabling this feature can bring the device to the internet and should only be enabled when required. UPnP is used for broadcasting device information on a given network so that devices can find each other but this exposes the network to an attacker.

USE A VPN

A VPN can help control and secure your internet connection and traffic and increase its security when accessing smart devices from a distance. VPN can shield your data from any unauthorized person since your connection will be encrypted.

MORE OFTEN CONSIDER DEVICES LINKED TO THEM

Occasionally make it a point to monitor the list of devices that is connected to your home network and delete out equipments or gadgets which are not used or unfamiliar. If you won’t monitor connected device, you can simply detect intrusions in your smartphone.

EDUCATE FAMILY MEMBERS

Mention the importance of family, friends or other people living in the same house to learn basic cybersecurity concepts, such as how to detect phishing schemes and how to protect the gadget. All members of the family should be knowledgeable about security as well as be sensitive to possible incidents.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER FOR SAFE CONNECTED THINGS

When selecting accessories for smart homes, it is better to choose devices with value orientation towards security. Here’s a detailed guide on what to check:

ENCRYPTION STANDARDS

Try to choose devices that have secure encryption standards (such as AES-256) for data transfer. Large key sizes protect data from being leaked from one party to another because it is intercepted by the attackers.

REGULAR FIRMWARE UPDATES

Select the devices that come from manufacturers who are known for consistent update release. Checking out how the manufacturer has been on patches and the speed at which they handle the vulnerability is also important.

DATA PRIVACY POLICIES

Make sure the manufacturer does collect user’s data and if they adhere to appropriate and safe methods of data management. It is useful to know how the data you collect is processed and protected to guide your buying choices.

SIGNIFICANT AUTHENTICATION SCHEMES

Systems with two-factor authentication or passwords that must be complex minimize susceptibilities to suspect access. Make sure that the equipment that you will employ supports several levels of authentication.

SECURE COMMUNICATION

Devices should only communicate with other devices outside your home, or with the cloud, through a secure protocol, such as HTTPS. An analogy of security reduces the likelihood of data interception over the channel.

THIRD PARTY SECURITY CERTIFICATES

Ensure that the device and its software carries UL 2900 or ISO/IEC 27001 mark which are proofs of compliance to security measures taken by the manufacturer. It should be noted, however, that these certificates can also signal an organizations commitment to security and sound practices.

By that, I meant quite tension-free majority of the security features accompanied with user-friendliness.

Select devices whose user interface security options can be easily managed by even the lay user, thus insisting on the best security options for these users. Easy-to-use interfaces allow all the members of a household to take measures in order to secure the device effectively.Be sure that the manufacturers share information about their security measures and undergo third-party security reviews. Transparency is an inseparable sign of possessing sincerity and primary user safety concerns.

COMMUNITY AND THE MANUFACTURER

Devices that are supported by user groups or the manufacturer are useful in providing you with information as whether the device you are using has a security flaw or not and how this can be rectified. Using different sorts of forums can prove helpful in gaining more knowledge on device security issues, fixes.

PHYSICAL SECURITY FEATURES

Look for devices that have security features incorporated into them which can act such as a tamper alert or encryption of data to minimize instances of intrusion. Physical security features can bring extra protection into the overall safety system of the organization.

SMART HOME SECURITY FUTURE TRENDS

1. More reliance on Artificial intelligence (AI)

Security becomes prominent in developing smart homes and is increasingly incorporating AI technologies. Since device behavior has a pattern, machine learning can possibly find the irregularities in the data that could otherwise pose a threat to security. For example, while thinking of intelligent authentication, AI can identify unauthorized login attempts or access from an unrecognized device, which makes it possible to expedite responses to a breach.

2. Enhanced Privacy Features

The manufacturers of these apps are gradually adopting options that will assist the users in how they are profiled. Expect to find more devices that have much more granular privacy controls and that share pre- and post-collected data clearly to allow people to opt-out.

3. Biometric Authentication

Facial recognition and fingerprint scanning are examples of biometric technologies being considered good for use in authenticating users. These technologies can offer better security compared to the password or Personal Identification Numbers thus limiting the access of the smart home devices to unauthorized people.

4. Security Ecosystems.

Smart home devices are being included in larger security ecosystems as well. This makes it easy for a user to manage a number of gadgets from the single interface of the tool making management much easier. These ecosystems are usually characterized by additional security aspects, including strange monitoring and notifications.

5. Blockchain Technology

The use of the blockchain provides an unprecedented approach to protect smart home devices since it is a decentralized technology. In this case, IoT manufacturers can adopt blockchain technology for secure safe and secure transaction and communication that makes it difficult for attackers to alter records.

6. Rising Interest in Cybersecurity Instruction

Due to increasing awareness among the people regarding cyber risks by manufacturers and organizations, the aspect of use of educations regarding cyber risks is gradually gaining importance. It will not be surprising if one notices more articles and guides, vendors’ training, and self-help tutorials, which are all targeted at helping the consumers acclimatize in the new smart home security environment and learn ways to protect their devices.

7. Regulation and Compliance

In the future as smart home systems are integrated into the homes, consumers’ regulatory bodies may place more rigid standards on the security and privacy of the manufacturers. The implementation of standards is poised to materialize as the last line of defense for smart devices and would act as an effective marketing point while enhancing the general security posture of the entire devices industry.

CONCLUSION

The use of smart home devices continues to grow in households as they provide multiple conveniences as well as multiple security risks. However, to reap the benefits of these technologies and at the same time secure your home it is crucial to ensure good practices of security and acquire highly secure IoT devices with adequate backend support. Learning what make smart home devices susceptible to cyber threats and practicing good security measures will protect your home from cyber attacks.

Just a quick reminder, while smart technologies are great in terms of convenience, they don’t necessarily translate into safety for you. It is therefore possible for you to be smart and have our home safer with the following choices making and acquisitions. With the advancements in technology about the home, your guarding methods also have to advance in kind. Well, my friends, the bottom line for all of this is: keep your guard up, keep learning, and defend your home on the World Wide Web.