Tom Kalinski, RE/MAX of Boulder
Recently, RE/MAX of Boulder Broker/Owner Jay Kalinski wrote an article about a pressing issue when it comes to technology right in our homes. Popular smart devices connected to the Internet including DVRs, web cams, smart thermometers, TVs and more are vulnerable to hacking. Here’s what Jay had to say:
If you’re one of the millions who use Internet of Things (IoT) devices throughout your home, take heed.
Along with the wonder of touch-of-a-button Internet home control comes the growing problem of cybercrime. And without precautions, you could be the next victim. The use of smart devices is projected to reach 50 billion by 2020, according to Cisco Internet Business Solutions Group. With so many smart devices and the availability of easy to use hacking software such as Mirai, home-targeted cybercrime is a growing problem.
Take steps now to keep your home, financial data and you, safe. Follow these valuable tips on how to keep hackers out of your house, as seen in Bradley K. Tuttle’s Real Estate Update.
Change the default setting on your smart device
In today’s busy world, manufacturers add out-of-the box convenience by shipping devices with default settings enabled. While instant operation is fun and easy, the default settings are an easy target for Mirai, the hacking software. When enabling a new smart device, change the default settings at initial start-up.
Update passwords at least once a year
Passwords seem to be taking over our lives: we all have far too many. But in our connected world, multiple passwords – and lots of them – are unavoidable. Given that, be sure to change your passwords each year. Never use names, address or birthdays, or easy to guess passwords like ‘admin’ or ‘1234.’ While it’s easy for you to remember, it’s also easy to hack. It’s equivalent to leaving the key in your front door.
Add an extra authentication protocol
Now that you are managing your passwords wisely, beef up your security with an extra step for gaining access. The added security layer could be a one-time pin you receive by text. Or, it could be biometric authentication, which relies on a unique thumbprint, eye-scan or user’s unique keystrokes. This extra step makes it harder for hackers to bust into your smart devices.
Check your smart devices for firmware updates.
While updates may be annoying, and notification of updates equally as annoying, keeping your software loaded with the latest fixes helps keep out hackers. Once a month, check the web app of your smart device for firmware updates. Then install the update.
If you experience a security breach, immediately take action
Update passwords, notify credit card companies and file a police report. Never use public Wi-Fi networks and don’t keep smart devices on the same network as your PC. This will minimize hacking across different devices.
Although manufacturers of smart devices need to improve their built-in security, users need to be as vigilant about smart device security as they are with credit cards, computers and locking the house when you’re away.
Read the full story on Home Cybercrime at www3.realtytimes.com/nl/nlpages217/7Smart-HomesCyberCrime.htm?open&ID=bradleyktuttle.
By Tom Kalinski, RE/Max of Boulder
Tom Kalinski is the Owner and Founder of RE/MAX of Boulder. To reach him call 303.441.5620 or e-mail [email protected]. For updates about market statistics and trends, visit RE/MAX of Boulder at www.boulderco.com/blog.
