How to Ensure That the Smart Home Doesn't Jeopardize Data Privacy?

For instance, investing in smart garage openers means you can always have access to the open-close status with the help of the app and full control over your gate or garage door, even if you are away from home.

With all the benefits smart technology offers, there's always a risk of data privacy. You certainly don't want anyone to get access to your smart home features and your personal information.

Hence, in this article, we'll share top tips with you to ensure your smart home doesn't jeopardize data privacy.

Picture 1 of How to Ensure That the Smart Home Doesn't Jeopardize Data Privacy?

1. Do Your Research

Before investing in a smart home product, you must research the manufacturer. This will significantly help you make sure your data privacy isn't compromised down the road.

Researching the manufacturer will let you learn if other customers have had data breaches in the past and how secure their devices are. You should also be able to learn how they use, store, and process your data and how much control you have over it.

It will be better if the manufacturer provides you with an option to opt out of collecting your information or even being able to delete it yourself.

2. Secure Your Wi-Fi

Some people make the mistake of not changing the default Wi-Fi password, which is usually set to 'admin.' Even if they do change, the password is easy to guess.

All this allows cybercriminals to hack your Wi-Fi and get access to all the devices connected to them, which can be a nightmare.

Set a strong and unique password for your Wi-Fi so it's hard to guess and jeopardize your data privacy.

3. Protect Your Accounts and Devices Too

It's equally essential for you to keep your smart devices and associated accounts protected from cyber perpetrators. Therefore, you should also create unique and strong passwords, so no one is able to guess them.

Your password should have at least 12 characters containing a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Every account's and device's password must be unique.

4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

After setting strong and unique passwords, you should also enable multi-factor authentication, as it acts as an extra layer of security.

Let's say, in the worst-case scenario, your password gets into the hands of hackers or strangers. Having multi-factor authentication enabled means they will also need to pass another security step.

In other words, they will be required to add a one-time passcode sent to you via email or phone number. This way, your data privacy won't be jeopardized by your smart home.

5. Keep Your Devices Updated

Don't procrastinate when it's about updating your smart devices' software. The updates keep rolling out by the manufacturers, and as they contain important security patches, you should stay up to date with them.

Some updates may need to be done manually, so you should keep tabs on them by visiting the manufacturer's site. You can also turn on automatic updates to keep privacy and security risk at bay. Don't forget to keep the relevant apps updated as well.

Jessica Tanner

Update 14 March 2023