The importance of smart home security

Home automation is the process of automatically regulating your home’s technological devices, such as smart TVs, smart doorbells (such as Ring), smart assistants (such as Amazon Alexa devices), and so on.  Since these gadgets are connected to the Internet, they can be controlled and accessed remotely. Automating home systems can also increase your physical safety by utilizing Internet of Things devices, such as security cameras, security systems, and connected baby monitors.

What are some of the dangers of your smart home?

Internet of Things (IoT) is the key to smart homes. There are several types of threats associated with IoT devices. The connected world of stand-alone smart devices, such as lights, appliances, and locks pose several cybersecurity concerns. Below are a few potential dangers:

Spying by baby monitors

New parents will tell you that a baby monitor is essential for keeping a close eye on their little ones remotely. But the issue with a baby monitor is that parents may not be the only ones watching. Hackers can exploit the security flaws in the cameras connected to the internet and watch or speak with children while the parents are away. Smart baby monitors are a tempting target for malicious actors due to their abuse potential and their insufficient security features. Once your baby monitor is hijacked, a hacker may be able to exploit the flaw in your security to get access to your network. Suddenly, every device on your network, from your home computer to your smart thermostat and security cameras, is exposed.

Hacking of security cameras

CCTV cameras are extremely vulnerable. Over the past few years, malicious actors have devised several methods for circumventing security mechanisms and gaining access to video surveillance systems. Attacks can be simple, taking only a few minutes to execute, or extremely sophisticated, penetrating even hardened systems. This gives hackers access to your home security system or commercial surveillance network. Hackers seeking to breach CCTV cameras begin by looking up the IP address and logging on. After collecting the required information, they test passwords using brute force that will allow access to the Wi-Fi camera or, if a router has been compromised, the entire security system. Although IP security is supposed to secure network data, many default passwords are identical to the factory settings. By hacking the device, it is also possible to gain access to internal networks. To avoid these threats, use a network-based Security-as-a-Service solution to protect the devices on your network. Even the best firewalls cannot prevent unauthorized users from accessing security cameras if they can simply log in with a common password.

Botnet attacks 

Many IoT devices are installed in the home and then abandoned by their owners, making them an ideal target for hackers to infect with malware and enlist into a zombie network to attack other targets – all while the user is unaware their network is being utilized in this manner. Web servers, routers, modems, network-attached storage (NAS) devices, CCTV systems, and industrial control systems are all being recruited into botnets to carry out DDoS attacks. Hackers, who are aware of inadequate security applied by some manufacturers, find some internet-connected IoT gadgets an enticing target. Default accounts and passwords are standard on most IoT devices. Many other devices don’t get future firmware updates for threat prevention, or if they do, their users don’t install them because they forgot about the device or don’t see the point in taking the time to check for and apply updates. As a result, any malware infection on connected devices is likely to go undetected, making them very appealing to bad actors, particularly those looking to gain access to as many internet-connected devices as possible.

Do you need a smart home security app or system? 

The homeowners’ desire to protect their properties and loved ones often leads them into investing in enhanced technology. Consider using smart technologies irrespective of whether you are a new homeowner installing a security system or upgrading your present solution. Smart home security systems or apps have several important advantages over traditional security systems, including real-time alerts, motion detection, video monitoring and analytics, and fire and life safety protection. These programs, which are designed to include utilities and energy management, wellness metrics, and other features, can be readily integrated into your present system and accessed from any mobile device.

How to secure your connected smart home network?

With the increase in IoT and smart home technology, consumers will need to improve their cybersecurity procedures. You can still enjoy the benefits of smart home gadgets while protecting your data and privacy by following these steps:

Do your homework

Before purchasing a smart device, check whether the manufacturer is reputable, with no history of data breaches. Find out about their reliability in supplying secure products? Give attention to the data your IoT device collects, how vendors utilize it, and what they disclose to other users or third parties.

Change your default passwords

As mentioned above, your default password is a major attack vector. Hackers try to access devices and turn them into botnets simply by logging in with the default username and password. Make sure to change the password to a complex password that is difficult to brute-force.

Update regularly

Keep up with software upgrades from your device maker. As available updates are not always promoted, visit the manufacturer’s website frequently. Also, keep mobile apps that are linked to your IoT device up to date. Change your settings to enable automatic software updates.

Hire an expert

If you want smart security for your home network, hire a security solution. By automatically securing your connected devices through the router, the experts can help ward off internet risks.

Secure your network against malware, phishing, and botnets using a service provided by your ISP, such as HomeSecure.

The need for 360-degree home security

Botnets, phishing on mobile devices, ransomware, and other threats are among the most serious threats to your network, services, and personal information.  These intricate, ever-mutating attacks continue to grow larger and more dangerous. The threat has grown in tandem with the expansion of IoT, and instances increasingly entail botnets built by hundreds of thousands of infected devices that stop services for millions of users. To handle this, you need a dependable solution that can guarantee the detection and removal of these attacks before they affect your network. The new security systems that are connected to the internet allow you to monitor your system from anywhere in the world. HomeSecure is the home gateway security layer provided by Allot Secure.

How can Allot help you secure your smart home?

Allot HomeSecure prevents any requests to your devices from the outside world, including phishing, spyware, and viruses. Allot HomeSecure scans your gadgets for requests to Command-and-Control centers. HomeSecure protects connected home devices via a multi-layer security solution, comprised of a CPE-based thin security agent, the Allot Secure cloud, and an end-user app. Complement this solution with network-based cybersecurity software from Allot and, the combined solution protects against web-based malware, phishing, and other types of attacks, identifies and profiles devices, and acts upon anomalous device behavior, segregates connected devices in the home network to block lateral malware propagation and hardens the CPE by providing password strength enforcement, DNS tampering protection, open port analysis and protection, process and communication whitelisting, and two-factor authentication.

Safeguarding Your Smart Home: Understanding Key Security Concerns

As technology continues to reshape our homes, the rise of smart devices, like smart TVs and assistants, brings immense convenience and control. Yet, it’s important to grasp that this convenience also comes with risks that we must address for a secure smart home. Here’s a simplified look at the potential dangers and ways to protect your connected world:

(1) What Threats Lurk in Your Smart Home?

The Internet of Things (IoT) powers smart homes, but it has its vulnerabilities. Devices like smart lights and locks can open the door to cyber threats, making your home susceptible to attacks.

(2) Botnet Threats

IoT devices left unattended become prime targets for hackers to turn them into botnets. These networks launch attacks, often unnoticed. For instance, in the “Mirai” botnet attack, thousands of unsecured devices were used to take down major websites.

(3) Security Cameras Under Siege

Hackers can breach security cameras, accessing your home surveillance system. Many instances have been reported where unauthorized individuals gained access to security cameras and live-streamed footage online.

(4) Unwanted Eyes on Baby Monitors

Baby monitors offer remote monitoring, but hackers can exploit their weak points, letting them watch or communicate with your child. In some instances, hackers have used baby monitors to play inappropriate sounds or even speak to babies.

(5) Real-Life Examples of IoT Vulnerabilities

Security Researchers discovered a vulnerability in Ring doorbell cameras that exposed Wi-Fi passwords to potential hackers. This flaw allowed even unauthorized physical access to the home network.

Protecting your connected living space is not just a precaution but a necessity. This is where solutions like Allot HomeSecure come into play, providing a robust defense against these evolving threats, and ensuring your smart home remains a safe haven for you and your family.

 About Allot’s Smart Home Security Solution

Allot HomeSecure provides a zero-touch, multi-layer security solution, safeguarding your home network through a thin security agent remotely deployed on the router. It shields against malware, phishing, and more, while not only constantly analyzing internal and external traffic for new threats but also protecting the router itself from becoming a cyber-attack target.