Smart home security: 15 ways to protect your IoT-connected house

The Internet of Things (IoT) makes it possible for smart home security devices like doorbell cameras and digital security locks, as well as essential household items like refrigerators, thermostats and televisions to connect to the internet to read and share data. A popular example is a smart refrigerator that can take note of the items in your fridge and relay the information to you, making grocery shopping easier and more efficient. 

Other categories of smart home gadgets and connected devices include:

• Smart thermostats that allow you to control your HVAC system from anywhere using your phone
• Smart home devices like light sensors, plugs, vacuums and switches
• Smart home platforms like Apple Home
• Digital personal assistants, such as Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant
• Smart TVs and streaming devices (including Stream TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Apple TV) that make it easy to enjoy movies, sports and your favorite TV shows
• Internet-enabled gaming systems and peripherals
• Smart watches, fitness trackers and other health and wellness devices like connected thermometers, glucose monitors and inhalers

Smart home technology only works when powered on and connected to the internet. Network interruptions can create security risks and cause product malfunctions, so it’s critical to have a strong and reliable internet connection. It’s equally important to prioritize the cybersecurity of all of your connected devices against possible hackers.

Each smart home device comes with specific instructions related to data security. Here are some common best practices to keep your smart home devices and personal information safe and secure.

1. Connect your smart home devices to a trusted home internet provider.
2. Create a password that is strong and unique, yet easy to remember, for each IoT device, and change it often.
3. Always research applications before you download them to your smart home device.
4. Periodically change the “wake word” that is used to activate/wake up your IoT device.
5. Update device firmware and software for the latest security features.
6. Pay attention to who/what your devices are connected to. If you can’t identify a connection, remove it immediately. 
7. Avoid keeping personal and financial data on your devices, except when necessary.
8. Review all security policies and settings and only agree to those that you’re comfortable with.
9. Wipe critical data and personal information from devices before selling them or leaving them unattended for long periods of time.
10. Enable speech recognition so your devices only respond to your voice.
11. Disable the ability to buy items using voice commands.
12. Turn off or cover device cameras and microphones when not in use. (This doesn’t include smart home security cameras that monitor your home and property.)
13. Replace old routers with the latest technology to improve security, increase internet speeds and get better Wi-Fi coverage.
14. Use at least two different factors for your device authentication.
15. Consider adding a separate network for IoT devices so you can isolate them from your computers and smartphones.

In addition to these best practices for protecting your IoT devices, you can add another layer of coverage with a service like Verizon Digital Secure Home, a free security feature that offers protection from online threats for devices connected to your home network, as well as monthly vulnerability reports. (There’s also Verizon Digital Secure Home Plus, a paid option that offers even more protection.) 

And of course, you can also protect physical assets by building a robust smart home security system that deters burglars. Internet-enabled smart home security cameras, smart doorbells, smart home alarms and digital security locks make it easy to keep an eye on things, even when you’re away from home. 

Sometimes, even the best smart home security practices can’t stop a determined hacker or thief. If you do fall victim to a security breach, you will want to act quickly to report it. Here are some resources that can help.

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) identity theft recovery: If you or someone you know has had their identity stolen due to a security breach, report the incident to the FTC, which can help guide you through the recovery process.
• Office for Victims of Crime (OVC): The OVC is a program, led by the U.S. Department of Justice, that advocates for individuals who were victims of various crimes.
• Usa.gov: Report a crime directly using the usa.gov website.
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): The CPSC is in charge of protecting citizens from any harm that may come from using consumer products.

Even though security breaches on smart home devices aren’t common, they still happen. Keep your family safe by installing a smart home security system, following our smart home best practices. 

Interested in using more smart home devices or learning about what might be right for you? Take a deep dive with the following:

• How to revamp your home with smart home technology.
• From smartphone to smart home: Your top questions answered
• Guide to making a smart home
• How smart homes can save energy and help you spend less
• Protect your home with digital secure home

And keep your devices online and secure with reliable Verizon Home Internet, now with our industry-leading Best Value Guarantee. Find out which services are available in your area.