Cyber Crime:
The Pros and Cons of Internet-Based Security
According to market and consumer data provider Statista, the global home automation market will reach a value of more than $40 billion by 2020. The U.S. ranks first in terms of adoption rate, followed closely by Japan and Germany.
With the easy availability of connected gadgets, not only can you control your home's thermostat from your smartphone, but you can also use smart cameras and security systems to see what's going on inside your place while you're away.
Advantages of Smart Home Security Systems
Smart home security systems can come in the form of standalone systems or home automation devices with an added security functionality. Here are just a few of the advantages they carry:
- Peace of mind. With a smart home security system that you can readily access on your phone or computer, you can see what's going on anytime, anywhere. Alarms activate in the event of a security breach, fire or flooding, and then it's up to you to call the police and/or the fire department. If you're not home, your system alerts the police or a private security agency (or both).
- Easy to install. Smart home security systems are typically simple to install and often require no additional hardware purchase. Sensors can be mounted with screws or placed with adhesive strips, so even renters can take advantage. Depending on the monitoring service you choose, you can either install the sensors yourself or hire a professional installer to do the work for you.
- Convenient and easily accessible. As long as you have the code and are connected to the internet, you can arm or disarm your alarm systems remotely and view your security camera footage from anywhere.
- Scalable and movable. If you're on a monthly plan with an internet home security provider, you can upgrade (i.e., add more sensors) or downgrade your plan (i.e., discontinue professional monitoring) as necessary. Plus, if you need to move to a new home, you can bring your home security system with you.
Disadvantages of Internet-Based Security Systems
While internet-based security systems come with a host of benefits, there are some drawbacks to be aware of:
- Reliance on the internet. One primary disadvantage is their reliance on the internet. The moment you lose connectivity (whether it's from equipment breakdown, ISP failure or a power outage), you lose real-time monitoring access to your home security system.
- Hacking susceptibility. Because it's internet-based, a smart home security system is susceptible to hacking. It's necessary to adopt protective measures to keep your home security and other smart systems from hackers.
- Third-party access. Some smart home security providers offer professional monitoring for a fee. Although these providers take proactive measures to secure their servers and maintain data confidentiality, it's worth noting that camera footage and data (such as when you leave or return home) pass through their servers.
Safeguarding Your Smart Home Security System
While smart security measures make it easy to keep tabs on your home, it's important to make sure they're protected to the fullest extent. Take these four steps to ensure your devices are safe:
1. Secure Your Home Network
Your first line of defense against people attempting to hack their way into your security system is a secure home network. Here are a few things you can do to improve yours:
- Change your router's default password and use a strong password authentication protocol (WPA2).
- Give your network an obscure name—something that can't easily be associated with you or your home.
- Hide your service set identifier (SSID), so anyone who wishes to connect to it must know its name and specifically search for it.
- Set up a guest network for friends or relatives. This allows them access to the internet without connecting to your primary network. What's more, guest networks can prevent network worms, such as those from infected flash drives, from penetrating your home network.
2. Use Two-Factor Authentication
3. Keep Your Devices Up-to-Date
4. Don't Use Public Wi-Fi
The Final Word
RE/MAX real estate
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