The prevalence of smart technology in our homes is something we have become, by now, accustomed to. In many ways, they have simplified our lives, added luxury to our living spaces, and improved accessibility for those with limited mobility. They have also given us new ways to enhance the security of our homes, but in doing so, have opened new doors to potential cyber-security risks. The question is, how can we ensure that the smart-home revolution stays in our best interests?
It goes without saying that smart systems have revolutionised the way we operate our homes. Heating, lighting, WiFi and even window blinds can be controlled through a quick tap on your phone or even by verbal command. Smart systems have also revolutionised the way we protect our homes, with doorbell cameras, alarms, motion sensors and smart locks designed to keep unwanted visitors away.
While these additions are certainly useful when it comes to physical threats to the home, they are a double edged sword. Cyber risks that make your home vulnerable to adversaries situated nowhere near your property are now a very real concern. Research conducted at the Florida Institute of Technology in 2021 found that of the twenty apps linked to IoT devices they studied, sixteen of them had “critical cryptographic flaws” that left their data vulnerable to attackers.
Research such as this puts smart home system companies under increasing pressure to improve their security strategies. There are some smart home systems, such as Loxone, that use a unique encryption key that prevents anyone suspect hacking into your system and causing problems. Two-factor authentication and biometrics such as fingerprint scanning or facial recognition are on the rise- passwords are no longer considered safe by themselves.
Many people are unaware of the sheer amount of data that smart home systems collect about inhabitants, and that in turn, is available to cyber criminals who manage to access it. Amazon Alexas, Google Homes, ring doorbells and other smart devices pick up on usage patterns and sound recordings, while mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and watches contain valuable personal information.
As the popularity and affordability of smart home systems grows, and their accessibility widens, their potential as a target for cyber criminals will increase. That is why it is crucial that the proper security measures are put in place now. Smart home systems are designed to simplify our lives, not to endanger them. While the majority of the responsibility of cyber security lies with the companies that create and distribute these smart systems, it is also up to the individual to remain vigilant.
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