What do you feel is your most pressing digital security issue? There are probably as many answers to that question as there are reasons to worry about digital security. The truth is that digital security is a complex beast that is hard to address with a single strategy or software solution. And for the typical homeowner, it is difficult to figure out where to begin.
Safeguarding the average American home against evolving digital threats requires a comprehensive approach. Why? Because our homes are equipped with personal networks, smart devices, and all sorts of technologies that are part of the internet of things (IOT). Most importantly, our personal data is connected to all of it.
Whether you’re talking about a smart thermostat, smart TV, or home security system equipped with video cameras, every device creates an entry point for hackers and thieves. And every entry point is an invitation to steal data.
How Threat Actors Get In
‘Threat actors’ is the term security professionals use to refer to hackers and digital criminals. These threat actors are always looking for new ways to do what they do. They never stop. So the question is how they get into the typical American home. Right now, there are four main entry points:
1. Consumer Passwords
Home networks and devices are easily hacked when consumers don’t change default passwords. Every device has a default password. More importantly, these default passwords are easily found online. But that’s not all. Many consumers know enough to change default passwords but then choose a weak replacement. Skilled hackers know how to discover weak passwords.
2. Outdated Firmware
Manufacturers are supposed to update their firmware to protect against evolving threats. If they don’t, or consumers fail to run firmware upgrades, hackers may have a way in.
3. Unsecured Networks
An unsecured network is an open invitation to threat actors. Home Wi-Fi networks are easy targets because so many homeowners don’t know how to secure them.
4. Vulnerable Apps
Lastly are mobile apps. They aren’t the safest form of software floating around in the cybersphere. Many contain security weaknesses that are either ignored for too long or never addressed at all.
The Home Automation Conundrum
Adding to the modern digital security nightmare is home automation. While home automation technology is generally viewed as a good thing, it opens yet more doors to threat actors. Why? Because home automation’s heavy lifting is done in the cloud.
Vivint is an industry-leading provider of home automation and security systems. The software required by their devices is not hosted in a customer’s home. It is hosted in the cloud. Vivint takes extraordinary measures to protect customers and their data, privacy, and peace of mind. But not all device manufacturers are so diligent.
Off-brand manufacturers tend to rely on mobile apps to run their devices. And as previously mentioned, mobile apps are notoriously insecure. Given the opportunity, I would never run my entire home automation system with a series of independent devices and their companion apps.
What Consumers Can and Should Do
So, what should consumers do to protect themselves from digital intrusions? All the standard advice still applies because it still works. Consumers can and should:
- Always change default credentials
- Utilize two-factor authentication when possible
- Keep all devices and software updated
- Secure home Wi-Fi networks
- Monitor network traffic
- Only purchase from trusted brands
Defending against digital intrusion requires diligence. It also requires some basic knowledge. Learning can be difficult, but it’s necessary at a time when everything is connected digitally. Consumers simply cannot afford to remain ignorant.
