3 tips to keep hackers out of your smart devices
There are smart speakers, thermostats, appliances, security systems and virtual assistants (Amazon Alexa, Google Home). What makes them “smart” is the Internet—where hackers are.
Using basic Internet-scanning tools, hackers can grab device names, email addresses, and other user data. Your musical tastes and home temperature preferences may not be important. But smart devices are usually on the same network as PCs and smartphones, giving hackers access to valuable data, such as social security numbers. Here’s how to stop them.
Update software. Patches often contain security updates. The software’s never perfect, so vulnerabilities need to be eliminated.
Monitor your network. Check security and access settings for every device on your home WiFi. Check that your router blocks inbound requests, and don’t let outside devices initiate connections. If you have to share files, use a free or low-cost cloud service, such as Dropbox or Google Drive.
Create a Guest network. This lets visitors access the Internet without compromising your networked devices.
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