With so many choices out there designed to make
your life easier and more secure, people are often so excited by the
convenience that they don't consider that these devices could be a big
security risk.
The issue is that any device
that can be controlled
from outside your home,
can be controlled from
outside your home—by someone else.
The
issue is that any device that can be controlled from outside your home,
can be controlled from outside your home—by someone else.
All
that stands between you and someone else gaining access to your system
is usually just a username and password. If someone can get those, then
they can just as easily log in and see/listen in on you, and see when
you are away from your house.
Furthermore,
since web-based control is usually through an account that you created
through an app or website, anyone else logging in can also see any other
personal information.
Earlier
in 2018, the Google-owned Nest system sent out emails warning their
customers that their accounts had been compromised. The company was
unclear if there had been a data breach of their system, or if they had
discovered published lists of hacked Nest usernames and passwords on
hacking websites.
When
purchasing any smart device, especially one that can hear, see, or
alert someone that you are away, you must make sure that you use a very
secure password.
Secure passwords consist of capital letters, numbers, and even things like exclamation points or other symbols.
Some
system logins can also be setup for what is called multi-factor
authentication. This is where you have to enter more than your login and
password to gain access. This extra layer could be a PIN or an answer
to a secret question. Some sites even offer a code that is sent to your
phone when you log in that you have to enter. However, I personally see
this as a potential hassle if, for example, your spouse is at home
trying to log in and the code comes to your cell phone while at work.
The bottom line is that you should always consider anything that comes into your house via the web as a possible security risk.
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