Smart technology has been making its way into our homes over the last few years. It is popular for managing lighting, heating, and also our home security. Is your home as protected as you think?
The weaknesses in smart home security
Smart security systems, managed via an app on a mobile device from wherever you are, make for a convenient and attractive solution to keeping on top of your home security. Especially if you have a larger estate, you may have significant security features in place, such as alarmed and controlled gates and a full CCTV and alarm system.
You can even integrate other home functions, such as lighting and heating, so you can control and protect your whole property in one place. However, as with all digital tools, you are opening your home up to cyber risks, which in turn, can affect your home’s physical protection.
Things to think about
To make sure that your home is not unnecessarily at risk, here are some useful tips when considering smart home security.
Change your passwords – When you set up a home security system, never keep the default passwords as this puts you at a high risk of a hack. Regularly change passwords to your security application, CCTV, and other password-protected aspects of your system.
Router security – Your router can be a weak spot for security. Make sure you pick a reputable make and model, again, change your password from the default, and keep up to date with software updates.
Use a reputable email system – Your security system will likely need an email address to access. Therefore, it is imperative to keep this secure too. Choose a reputable email system and of course, choose a complex password that you change regularly.
Trust your security team – There are horror stories about security companies that have hacked into their client’s system. Luckily, this is rare, but it highlights the valid point that you need to trust the company that supplies and manages your security system. You might also like to employ your own security advisor or team too.
Review your security – Technology changes all the time. To make sure you have the best option for you in place, you should review what is on the market. You should also work with your security team to test your system and identify any flaws.
Home security in general
While a smart security system obviously has many positives, such as being able to keep an eye on your home while you are not there, it is important not to forget your physical security.
While a Cyber hacker might be able to virtually access your home which can be frightening, a burglar will physically enter your property which is equally intrusive.
Protecting your home
Ensuring that your home insurance policy is robust is the key to being covered for all risk areas. As busy medical and dental professionals, we know that you don’t always have the time to shop around at each renewal. However, making sure that your policy includes protection for all the risks that affect you is important to you and your family.
If you want to work with a friendly team, who provides competitive quotes, honest advice and insurance designed for medical and dental professionals (including hard to insure properties), contact All Med Pro.