Your home is your pod, and your pod is getting smarter, more connected and as a result more vulnerable to external digital attacks. Security cannot be an afterthought in an increasingly connected world. It’s a no-brainer to contemplate the chaos hackers can create if they get access to smart things in your home. Internet of things enables new possibilities and enhanced experiences, but it also makes us vulnerable to new types of threats; from privacy to physical threats. In a recent survey, 70 percent of tech-savvy homeowners said they were extremely concerned about the likelihood of data breach from connected devices. With technology becoming increasingly affordable, more and more consumers, SMBs and large corporations are keen to implement IoT and AI in their home and work environments. As a result, many are buying random smart devices and systems that have not been vetted for security. Security cannot be an afterthought; it has to be baked into the system, devices, and sensors as an architectural imperative.

When most people think about defending their home, they often think of those who wish to intrude from the exterior. However, hackers could use data stolen from either a wearable device or alarm system to know when to break into homes while residents are away. Secure your WiFi networks so hacking a device doesn’t become a backdoor into your home.

1. Follow WiFi access protocols and use a strong, complex password. Many homeowners also forget to enable a passcode for their WiFi router, which is as dangerous as accepting the default.

2. Use an obscure name for your network, so hackers are less likely to threaten your system.

3. Make sure not to use any personal information in your network’s name so hackers cannot use social engineering to break into your systems.

4. Disable guest network access; be strict about who you allow into your network.

5. Make sure to enable the firewall on your router to restrict incoming connections.

6. Use one network for the utilization of the web on your computer, tablets, and smartphones, and the other for connecting your smart devices.

Users need to be mindful of the risks when it comes to IoT and connected home. No one is going to keep their home unlocked; you need to think the same way about the things on your network. Consumers should always match the smart devices they purchase with a secure network system and should always doubt the default in search of a better and more secure option.