How to Keep Your Smart Home from Turning Against You

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So you’ve jumped on the smart home bandwagon, eh? It’s quite the ride! We’re in a time where you can ask your fridge if you’re out of milk or tell Alexa to play that tune stuck in your head. But while Brisbane streets may be lined with homes chatting up their appliances, are these tech-savvy houses truly savvy about security? Remember that headline from the New York Post about smart homes turning on their owners? Let’s make sure your home remains your loyal sidekick and not your arch-nemesis.

Is Your Smart Home Too Smart for Its Own Good? Let’s Find Out.

1. Secure Your Network
Imagine leaving your house in Mackay with the front door wide open. Sounds silly, right? That’s exactly what a vulnerable Wi-Fi is like. So, let’s up that security game:

  • No more “password123”. Pick a strong, unique password for your router.
  • Use the latest encryption, like WPA3. Managed IT services often preach about this, and for good reason.
  • Create a special guest network just for your smart devices. It’s like the VIP section at a club.

2. Strengthen Device Passwords
Your dog’s name isn’t the best password choice, trust us. Jazz it up with a mix of characters and maybe even throw in a special symbol for flair.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
2FA is like that double bolt on your door. Even if someone pinches your password, they’ll get stumped at the next step. Just a little something extra to keep the baddies out.

4. Regularly Update Firmware
Ever heard the saying, “Keep your friends close and your firmware updates closer”? Okay, maybe we made that up. But seriously, don’t skimp on those updates.

5. Vet Your Devices
Choose smart devices like you’d choose a babysitter. Are they trustworthy? Reliable? Not every device deserves a spot in your home, especially if they’re from that dodgy brand nobody’s heard of.

6. Isolate Sensitive Devices
Your smart lock deserves its own special network, away from that flashy speaker you bought on impulse. Treat your critical devices like Brisbane royalty.

7. Review App Permissions
Apps can be nosy. Do they really need to access your contact list, photos, and your secret cake recipes? Be a bit stingy with those permissions.

8. Be Cautious with Voice Assistants
We all love bossing around Alexa, but are you sure she isn’t listening a bit too intently? Maybe switch her off during your dramatic shower singing sessions.

9. Check Your Devices Regularly
If your smart lamp decides to throw a disco party without your approval, maybe it’s time to look into things.

10. Understand Your Device’s Data Usage
Is your smart device gossiping about you to third parties? Peek into their privacy policies to see what they’re yapping about.

11. Stay Informed
Staying updated isn’t just for software. Catch up on the latest smart home security trends. It’s always good to stay one step ahead of the game.

Your Smart Home Deserves Smart Security

Okay, real talk. We know how great smart homes are, but they need top-notch security. If tech jargon makes your head spin or if you’re unsure about managing your smart home’s security in Brisbane or Mackay, don’t sweat it! Our IT Support team has got your back. With our Managed Services, we’ll ensure your smart home remains a safe haven.

Need some tech gurus to work their magic? Give us a shout. Let’s chat over a cuppa and make your smart home the smartest (and safest) on the block.


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