Today, more than 2.2 million households are avid users of smart home devices. This industry is further expected to expand continuously from 2023 to 2027, covering an expected total of 13.9 million households. With this rapid growth, ensuring the safety of our homes has become more crucial than ever.
Thanks to rapid advancements in this field, various home appliances and smart home devices are now interconnected, allowing homeowners easy management of their living environments. But with a rise in smart technology, hackers and cybercriminals have also gained momentum. On the plus side, technology now provides innovative solutions that offer increased security, helping you sleep easier.
Read on to learn more about some of the most innovative home security technologies and how to ensure the safety of your smart home.
Technology in Home Security
1. Smart Door Locks
Traditional door locks are highly vulnerable to lock picking and bumping. For years lock picking and duplicate key sets have been the easiest way to break in, but those days are now behind us. Smart door lock systems use advanced sensors that allow them to detect intrusion and forced entry attempts. These sensors are connected to alarm systems which are triggered in case any intrusion is detected.
The concept of smart door locks has been in place for quite some time now, but with the progress of technology, these locks are becoming more elaborate. From facial recognition to fingerprint scanners and audio detectors, these security tools have advanced over the years.
Smart door locks offer wonderful features such as keyless entry, remote access, and the ability to link them to the home automation system.
2. Alarm Systems
Commercial burglar alarm systems are a vital component of home automation and security systems. These integrated intruder systems employ state-of-the-art sensors for effectively detecting intrusion or break-in attempts. On detecting intrusion, these alarms are activated.
These systems are not just connected to homeowners, but the alarm may send a notification to the closest security personnel or relevant authorities.
3. Smart Surveillance Cameras
Video recording cameras have been trending for a long time, but surveillance technology has greatly evolved over the last few years. Cameras and surveillance systems are now equipped with motion detectors, night vision, and even two-way audio. One aspect of the smart surveillance system is the video doorbell.
These surveillance systems are directly connected to your smartphones or PCs via apps and software systems. These keep you updated in real-time. Some systems are also integrated with AI algorithms for a safer and smarter experience.
4. Automated Homes
The UK Home automation industry has an annual net worth of approximately £7 billion. This industry is responsible for providing autonomous solutions through home appliances, systems, and devices. Smart thermostats and motion detector lights are examples of home automation systems.
By integrating these systems with your security system, you can use the home automation system to improve your security and enhance overall efficiency.
Suppose your home is empty; you may use the automated light system to turn the lighting or appliances on or off. This is useful when trying to save energy and money while you are out on vacation or to give a false sense of someone living inside to evade burglars. This can also help identify any break-ins, as any motion detected will be reported directly to you.
Best Practices to Ensure Enhanced Security
While all these technologies and gadgets allow you to live with numerous benefits, they have their drawbacks and vulnerabilities.
If not managed with caution and care, cybercriminals and hackers might just find their way into your homes by exploiting these vulnerabilities. So, here is a list of the topmost practiced habits to ensure enhanced safety of your home.
1. Strengthen your Wi-Fi Network
A robust network is equivalent to a stronger security system. How do you attain a robust and safe connectivity network?
The first step is to ensure you are using a safe and guarded Wi-Fi network that cannot be easily hacked. Create a strong and unique password that includes numbers, upper-case and lower-case letters, and special characters. Also, be sure to change the default name of your Wi-Fi network.
2. Use Network Encryption
To further enhance the security of your Wi-Fi network, enable network encryption and make sure Wi-Fi is encrypted with the strongest encryption protocol available. Encryption ensures that data is scrambled when transmitting it between your devices and router, making unauthorized interceptions harder to accomplish.
3. Have a Separate Guest Network
Next, make sure to have a guest network for all your guests, relatives, and visitors. Do not go around sharing your Wi-Fi credentials for the network used in your security system. BY isolating your primary network from outside devices, you are preventing them from accessing your smart home devices and security systems.
4. Install a Firewall
Also, ensure you have a firewall setup on all your devices and a separate one for your Wi-Fi network. Installing a firewall adds an extra layer of protection to your home security systems and filters out potentially harmful data.
Most routers come with built-in firewalls; however, you can always opt for an external firewall.
5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Always have a second authentication factor other than your default login and password. 2FA (two-factor authentication) strengthens your smart home ecosystem. Choose a dependable 2FA method. These include SMS-based codes, authenticator apps, biometric authentication, or even hardware tokens.
Go through the pros and cons of each and opt for whichever is most suited to your family.
Always start by enabling the 2FA from your smart home hub or central control device to ensure that in case someone ends up getting access to your login credentials, they still cannot access your security system without going through the 2FA.
You can go through your security system manuals to figure out how to enable two-factor authentication.
6. Regular Maintenance and Updates
Regular maintenance is key. Be very vigilant and keep updating your home security system login and passcodes. Conduct regular software updates and check for bugs. Keep track of any security vulnerabilities your manufacturer may address and be the first to adopt the countermeasures suggested.
Conclusion
Your smart home is as safe as you can make it. Despite the rise in break-ins, a little vigilance can help you ensure the safety of your home. Always keep yourself educated on the latest software trends and updates regarding your security system and timely fixes and issues you may notice.
Stay safe!