Archives - Smart Home


Disable unused/dormant IoT devices

With so many devices at your disposal, some might go unused for weeks, if not months, at a time. Unused IoT devices, sensors and modulators still pose a threat to your cybersecurity. As long as they remain connected to your network, hackers may still be able to use them in accessing your information. Keep an […]

Connect no more than 50 devices to a single home router

Consumer routers should hold no more than 50 connections. The more devices, the greater the security risk. If one device is compromised, all other devices on the network could be, too. A good rule of thumb is to connect your most used devices — those with the most personal data — to a second home […]

Don’t buy IoT devices from unproven vendors

The IoT (Internet of Things) is always increasing. Smart devices can range from your home refrigerator to your doorbell. For every device, however, there is an entry point into your home and your network. Check the reviews of IoT products before you buy and be on the lookout for any security complaints. The more confident […]

Change your home router’s default password

People often neglect to change the default password that the manufacturer provides on their home router. Cybercriminals take advantage of this neglect and can gain access to your network. In turn, they may compromise data stored on other devices connected to your router. For steps to change your router’s password, see the respective manufacturer website.

Toss your end-of-life IoT devices

Your smart home includes a wide variety of networked “Internet of Things” devices like cameras and thermostats. Unfortunately, many of them run software and firmware with known exploits that may never be patched. It may be best to responsibly recycle – many national retailers will take them – and get newer, safer replacements when there […]

Turn on parental controls for Netflix and YouTube

These video streaming services allow for password-protected parent controls to constrain what children can view. When used on YouTube in particular, these protections are useful for protecting your kids from the misinformation campaigns and scams that are prevalent on the site.