Security For Smart Homes: What Does it Mean ?

Of course, smart home technologies offer convenience and comfort to homeowners. As smart home technologies are making headway to the mainstream market it is necessary to understand the security for smart homes- what it means and how it affects the quality of life for homeowners.

Keep reading to learn more about smart home security.

Smart homes refer to the buildings or houses with integrated technologies allowing partial or complete automation of the fixtures and appliances.

“For example, a home with automatic lights can be considered a smart home. Likewise, a home with programmable thermostats can also be considered as a smart home.” 

What are the Security Threats for Smart Homes?

Although smart fixtures and appliances make life easy for the homeowners, at the same time, they also leave them vulnerable to security problems. One of the main concerns for security includes threats from the internet. It is noteworthy that most of the smart homes are smart because they offer remote control over the appliances and fixtures.

The homeowners can turn their HVAC system ‘on’ or ‘off’ while they are on their way home. Or they can also program their washing machine to turn on automatically, with the help of a smartphone app. And it needs no saying all of this is possible because of the internet.

Evidently, the same internet connection is the main reason behind the prevailing vulnerability. Thieves, vandals, or squats can hack into the system and break into the homes quite easily. Although security cameras and smart locks can offer some level of protection, they are still not apt for the utmost security.

After all, even these pieces of equipment are also connected to the internet. So property security requires something more apt to cope with the dynamic challenges of smart homes. Probably, something like hiring security guards along with installing security systems can help. Man guards are known to be more vigilant to the threats for homes and properties, and if needed can also take action to shoo the threat off.

That being said, the security concerns for smart homes are still vaguely outlined. Particularly, when it comes to installing smart cameras and locks in the house.

The Vulnerability With Smart Security Systems

Well, installing security cameras can surely help take some control over the situation, and smart locks can further fortify the security, but these equipment are still hardware and software combinations. It is easier to hack into codes than physically entering into your home, especially if someone stands guard.

“For example, security cameras can be hacked and may not offer live feed to the homeowners while behind the screens a thief could be looting off the safe.” 

Likewise, EM hacking for smart locks is also possible, and the lock would neither trigger alarm nor would it trigger any counter-response to the intruder.

To top it off, as already mentioned, the internet that connects all these pieces of equipment is the weakest point of entry for any intruder. In fact, the intruders don’t really need to be ethical hackers or computer genius anymore. As the security technologies are improving, so is the technology to break the chain.

That being said, there are some technologies that still offer better security over the currently available ones.

The Safer Way to Smart Home Security…

In addition to installing security cameras and smart locks, as already mentioned, hiring security professionals could offer better safety. On the other hand, securing the internet connection with appropriate firewall security can also prevent thieves and vandals from breaking into the system. And if there still needs to be any improvement made, it is best to search for a change in technology.

There’s a lot of buzz around blockchain technology and its applications in IoT (Internet of Things). The technology is known to be highly secure which is also the reason for its application in the cryptocurrency domain. Homeowners can install smart locks and security cameras that are built around the same technology. And not only the cameras or locks, but also lights and automated gating systems are now easily accessible in the market.

Despite the vulnerabilities in the system, smart homes are undoubtedly safer havens as compared to their predecessors. Real-time monitoring, actionable programming, and technologies such as Artificial Intelligence are improving the safety for homeowners and security for homes with every advancement. However, it still depends on the need and the potential threats that concern a particular property as to which technology would suit the best.

Also, Read Why ‘Dark Web’ is Becoming a Cybersecurity Nightmare