More Hacks to Improve Your Smart Home Security Devices

Hello World!  Welcome Friends!  Last summer as we were adding to our home our minds were focused on improving safety. I shared a number of low to no-cost home security hacks that provide immediate protection. Over the last year I’ve included a number of smart security devices that make our home a safer, more comfortable place to live. It’s easy to see why smart alarms for home are the way of the future.  Keep reading to see which smart home security hacks made our follow-up list!

Leverage Local Experts

The growing consumer trend of going local is now catching on in the home security industry. The team at Black Hat Security has found local service is in high demand. When it comes to home security Phoenix residents can count on their local experts to know the current risks and be familiar with emergency response in the city. Customers enjoy knowing they can get cutting-edge technologies and equipment but still work with a company that knows their area because they live there too.

Regardless of where a monitoring station is located, it’s nice to know someone else is watching out for your best interest. Teaming up with a local home monitoring service may not be the cheapest hack, but it sure does beef up security and provides peace of mind.

Make Your Home Security Equipment Less Hackable

Another must for home security is internet-connected equipment. When your home security cameras, locks, monitors and alarms are synced with each other and the internet you’re always connected through your smartphone.

But the issue is hackers have also found ways to worm their way through some smart systems. The same devices that improve your home security could be used to allow high-tech burglars full access. Here are a few hacks to make sure that doesn’t happen:

•   First and foremost always take precautions to protect your smartphone.
•   Use a strong password for your Wi-Fi.
•   Choose security devices with strong encryption.
•   Consider a cellular based system that’s more difficult to hack.
•   Choose fewer devices that provide more coverage when possible.
•   Purchase security software for your smart security devices.
•   Encrypt the Internet connection to your home and smartphones.

The most important item on the list above is to use strong password protection for each individual device. Don’t use any of the most common passwords or anything that’s linked to your personal information.

Sync Equipment Strategically

If you aren’t syncing and scheduling your smart home devices, then you aren’t getting the full benefit of your security system. Internet-connected security devices can be programmed to work together and essentially run on autopilot. They can be schedule to operate at a certain time or operate on an “if this then that” system so that they are triggered.

A few of the most common syncs include:

•   Having the front porch light turn on at sunset.
•   Scheduling a front entry light to turn on if the front door is opened or the doorbell rings.
•   Sounding an alarm if a window or door monitor is disturbed.

There are countless ways to configure a smart home security system. The most important factor is that you utilize the options that are available.

Secure the Connects of IP Security Cameras

Safe security cameras that can stream live feeds online are a popular piece of security equipment, especially for families with young children. However, the sensitive details that they capture have to be protected as much as your home.

Most security cameras are what’s known as IP cameras. IP stands for Internet Protocol and indicates the camera can send and receive data over a computer network. This makes it possible for you to view your home from anywhere, but if you aren’t careful other people can too.

Wireless cameras, which make up the bulk of today’s security products, should only be used on a WPA2-encrypted wireless network. You can take a step further to protect your privacy by keeping the security cameras on a local network. That way you can assign them non-routable internal IP addresses that can’t be hacked.

If you’ve invested in a smart home security system hopefully these hacks will help you expand their use while minimizing their weak spots.

Click the links below for any posts you have missed:

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Curtains & Fabric Choices

Home Audio Shopping Simplified

Summer Garden Lighting Trends & Tips

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Thanks for stopping by!  Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world!  Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!   

Toodles,