Any device connected to the internet is susceptible to being attacked. Unlike computers, smart devices don’t have antiviruses to keep your data protected. Attacks usually happen through:

• Privacy Breaches
• Cyberattacks

 

Privacy Breaches – Saving your personal data

Service providers use smart devices to collect data about you whether you know it or not, especially with voice-activated smart speakers such as Google Home or Amazon Alexa. Every time you ask a question they record snippets of your conversation and use it to improve their system and better answer your future questions. You can see an example of this by paying attention to the things that pop up on search engines. For example, you might ask your Google Home speaker how to fix your bike and then next time your searching for something on Google or watching a Youtube video you’ll get ads related to bicycles. Manually remove these conversations periodically to lessen the risk of privacy breaches these conversations. It’s also a good idea to turn off the microphone on the device when not in use.

 

 

 

Cyberattacks

Your internet router is the one thing that connects all your smart devices. Through a process called Domain Name Server hijacking, someone can hack into your router and control your WIFI. They can forward the websites you to a fake antivirus site where you can enter credit card details as well as other things. Everything thing in your smart home, including your smart speakers, cameras, appliances or security devices, a hacker gains access to. This could also give hackers access to the data stored above. To prevent this, it’s best to use the highest security setting on your router, choose a strong password and change it regularly. You can even create guest wifi so you don’t have to give your password away to anyone that might be visiting. According to Microsoft, a strong password includes both lower case and upper case letters, symbols and numbers, and has more than six characters. Also, don’t forget to keep your router updated by installing the latest firmware. 

In general smart devices aren’t that safe on their own. You’re vulnerable to privacy intrusions and cyberattacks. Manually removing any data that might be saved on your devices and updating passwords regularly on your router is the best way to increase security since everything is usually connected through WIFI. Here are some other ways you can stay safe with smart technology:

• Do your research before you buy anything
• Go on manufacturing websites and read the manuals before you buy
• Create a smart home without using the internet
• Buy Bluetooth devices that don’t allow just any device to connect