Securing Your Home Automation

One issue that's always on my mind when 'm talking to customers about adding home automation is security. We're living in the age of the internet and the IoT (internet of things) is only going to keep expanding. With that in mind, consumers have to face the problem that any IT professional has to - how do we secure our myriad devices against attempts to hack into our network? Without getting too technical, let's talk about a few of the approaches I've encountered when it comes to Home Automation security.

Many homeowners will turn to their trusted security/tech installer like me to guide them on what choice to make for their home automation. When it comes to setting up home automation devices, I follow a simple rule of thumb: limit the points of entry. That is, if you are going to put your devices on the network, route them through one device. Standards like Z-Wave and Zigbee rely on their own radio network to communicate and use a single device, usually called a hub,  to coordinate all communication between the devices and the internet. The logic here is simple - it's harder to guard 20 doors than it is to guard one door. By narrowing down internet access to one device you limit the opportunities a hacker has to enter your network. 

Decidedly not the best route to take, there is a way of thinking that simply accepts that someone, somewhere will eventually hack your devices. I have spoken to people who, for one reason or another, decide to purchase a device with less security/less reputation in order to satisfy their home automation needs. If you choose to do so, there's a higher chance that someone might hack in, but you should take steps to limit the damage. 

1. Avoid placing devices in areas where it might be dangerous. You're fine to buy an outside light that someone could possibly control remotely, as the likelihood of it affecting you is negligible. You should not, however, buy a cheap WiFi garage door controller, as someone could hack it and find an easy way into your house
2. Avoid buying cheap cameras. As linked above, one notorious camera is Wyze. Their levels of security are abysmal, and it shows in the price of their product. There's a reason security cameras cost more. The companies that make them are relied upon for their attention to security. Even when they are the victims of malicious intent, companies like Hikvision put security measures in place to make sure customers have to follow safe practices. After the event linked above, many of the trusted names in surveillance systems enacted a policy to force users to set non-defaulted passwords in order to prevent the large scale hacks that happened previously. 
3. Limit the number of at risk devices you purchase. If you absolutely have to have a smart device but don't want one of the more expensive ones, limit the number you buy. As I mentioned, it's easier to protect one entrance than it is to protect 20. Limiting your at risk devices makes it harder for someone to find a way in. 

Remember, no matter what you choose to use, you always run the risk of being hacked when you put a device on the internet. There's no way to be invulnerable, but there are ways to be safe. Going with trusted names and hiring a home automation professional will put you on the right foot to having a secure smart home.