How to Minimize Privacy Risks from Smart Gadgets

Smart Gadgets are prone to Security Risks

As the number of smart gadgets keep increasing, they make our homes smarter and lives easier. On the flip side, the smart gadgets are prone to security risks thus making them vulnerable to hacking.
There are a number of smart gadgets that have become vulnerable and prone to security risks. The Amazon Echo smart speaker had sent a private conversation to an acquaintance thus increasing the risk of the new voice-enabled technology.

Another smart gadget in the form of a smart doll which was seemingly a harmless toy was in fact a security risk. The smart gadget was used by hackers to intercept conversations over the connection.

A smart car too is not free from security risks. According to security researchers, the common car gadgets were vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The telematic control unit (TCU) are used for navigation, voice and data communication. The researchers were able to attack one of the TCU gadgets which was basically used to track per-mile insurance. The device that was installed in the car enabled them to hack into the car’s systems thereby taking complete control of all the functions of the car.

Let us take into account another smart gadget like the smart fridge. It is easy to get all the information regarding the user’s Gmail. A hacker can intercept all communications over a compromised internet connection. The home network that is connected to the smart fridge becomes vulnerable. According to the security researchers, a flaw in the SSL integration makes it easy for the hackers to access the network and in turn keep a track on all the activity linked to the user name and password that connects the fridge to the Gmail.

Various ways of protecting the smart gadgets from cyber attacks 

There are a few ways to ensure that your smart gadgets are safe from hackers. We can adopt certain practices to make our homes and personal data safe.

Our primary goal is to ensure that the network that enables all the smart gadgets is secure. Make sure that you do not connect to open or any public Wi-fi. On your home Wi-fi, enable password protected access. In case you have a default password on a router, make sure to change it.

On all the smart gadgets that are connected, make sure that all the operating systems are updated.
Get a secure router where the network security is enhanced.

Buy smart gadgets with added security. 

If the smart gadget that you are using is a smart speaker, then you can turn off the microphone button so that any private conversations are not prone to attacks.

In the case of smartphones you can turn off the mic access to all the apps except those apps used for video conferencing or voice recorders.

You can cover the camera of your smart gadgets like laptops or smartphones to prevent spying. The security camera in the house can be turned towards the wall when you are at home.

Since we are in an age where smart gadgets have become a part of our daily lives, we should make sure that we buy devices after checking out the reviews and also check out videos that will keep you aware of the security risks and glitches.

Your Family Can Be Proud Of Your Home Security Success

Security: how can I get this within my home? What sort of measures can I take to protect my loved ones? What advice is out there which can help me out? This article guides you through many different strategies which will not only secure your home, but do so in the most affordable manner.

Home Security in Nashville TN

Your home is the one space where you are supposed to feel most secure. If something threatens the sanctity of your home, it can cause emotional and physical trauma. At Interactive Alarms, we are committed to helping the residents of our community ensure complete home security. In Nashville, our home security products can be combined to address your specific concerns, and put your mind at ease. Our full line of security products for residential properties includes:

Burglar Alarms Interactive Alarms understands the many emotions that a burglary can cause. From helplessness to anxiety, an intruder in your home not only poses a threat to your possessions, but also to your state of mind. With our burglar alarms for Nashville homes, we help families gain back their confidence in the security of their space. By utilizing high-tech motion detectors and innovative glass-break sensors, we will always be able to tell when your home is in danger and notify the proper authorities immediately.

When you move into a new home change all the locks. Even though the previous homeowner may have given you keys to the house, there might be a key out there that someone has. To be sure you are as safe as possible, get all new locks for your new house.  Do you have a dog that stays in your yard when you're not at home? Your pet might just be the perfect place to stash a spare key to your home. Put it on your dog's collar, making sure it is hidden. This is very effective if your pet is afraid of strangers; therefore, burglars are not very likely to notice the key.
Refrain from using candles in your house unless it is absolutely necessary. If you do burn a candle, make sure that you blow it out when you are completed. It is vital that no burning flame is left unattended because one slip can destroy your home and potential hurt your loved ones.  While home security systems are effective in most cases, many robberies are committed during daylight hours when the home is not vacant. In this case, the security system may not be activated so no warning would be sounded. Most burglars enter the home at some other point than the front door.
Sit your family down and create a fire escape plan depending on what region of the house you are in. This is crucial, as it will serve as the quickest plan to leave the house safely and effectively in an emergency. Practice your plan with your family as these few hours can save lives.  If you are moving into a new home, the first thing you should do to make your home more secure is to change the locks. You do not have to change the actual locks, a locksmith can re-key the locks to make them inaccessible with any of the previous keys.
Do not list your full name in the phone book or on your mail box. This can give possible intruders a lot of information about you and allow them break into your home a lot easier. Instead, only list your last name and possibly your first initial, this is much safer.  Rural areas are just as prone to break-ins as cities. Nonetheless, people in the country may be at greater risk due to being far away from neighbors. That said, stranger things have happened.
Walls can be a great hiding spot. Small items of value can be hidden for safety in your home's walls. Simply take advantage of an unused switch plate, electrical outlet, or phone jack. If there are no unused plates, you can easily install fake ones.  Avoid putting your name on your mailbox. As silly as it may seem, doing so gives a thief ammunition to break into your home. They could easily call directory assistance using your name to get your phone number. Then, they will call you to find out if you are home or not.
Video Surveillance
Cameras are a great way to protect your home and family. If you make the cameras noticeable, just having them on your property is enough to deter many criminals. High quality video surveillance systems have gone down in price in recent years and are affordable for almost any budget now.  Video security systems are a nightmare for a burglar. When you see a burglar with a mask in the movie, you are watching fiction. Many intruders will not wear masks to be less noticeable. Burglars who see a surveillance camera in place usually beat a hasty retreat.
Don't pass up the complimentary services that Interactive Alarms offers, like remote monitoring and video storage!
Contact us if you would like more information on our complete surveillance systems.