Cyber Security Tips Every Smart Home Owner Should Know

Smart home devices, cameras, doorbells, alarms, and even light bulbs, all rely on being connected to the internet to work. That connectivity is what makes them convenient, but it also means cyber security is worth thinking about alongside physical security. Here are some tips worth considering if your home is set up with any kind of smart technology.

1. Secure your home Wi-Fi network

Your router is effectively the front door to every connected device in your home, so it's worth starting there. Using a strong, unique password for your Wi-Fi network, rather than the default one that came with the router, is one of the simplest changes to make. Keeping your router's firmware up to date is also worth doing, since updates often include security fixes.

2. Use strong, unique passwords for smart home accounts

Reusing the same password across multiple accounts means that if one is compromised, others could be at risk too. Our guide on how to create a strong password has more detail on building passwords that are harder to guess, and a password manager can help keep track of unique ones for each account.

3. Turn on two-factor authentication where it's available

Two-factor authentication adds an extra step when logging in, usually a one-time code sent to your phone or email, which means a password alone isn't enough to access an account. It's a small extra step that can make a meaningful difference if a password is ever guessed or leaked.

4. Set up a separate network for smart devices

Many routers allow you to create a guest or secondary network, which can be a useful way to keep smart devices, like cameras, plugs, or doorbells, separate from the devices you use for banking or personal accounts. If one smart device were ever compromised, this can help limit what else it might be able to access.

5. Review connected devices and app permissions

It's worth occasionally checking which devices and apps are connected to your smart home accounts, and removing anything you no longer use or recognise. Many smart home apps also let you review what data or permissions each device has access to, which is worth a look every so often.

6. Be mindful of what you share online

Posting real-time updates about being away from home, or sharing details that make routines easy to predict, can be useful information in the wrong hands. Our post on how to secure your social media covers this in more detail, including tips for staying safer if you ever need to use a public computer.

7. Choose devices from established brands with ongoing support

Smart home devices that no longer receive security updates can become more vulnerable over time. Choosing devices from brands that regularly release updates, and checking whether Wi-Fi security cameras are safe before buying, is worth factoring into any decision about which smart home products to add.

Bringing physical and digital security together

Cyber security and home security tend to overlap more than people expect, especially with devices like an outdoor camera or video doorbell that combine both. Choosing devices with account-based logins, rather than default usernames and passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication where it's offered, are some of the same principles that apply to any other online account. If you work from home, our tips on security for working from home cover some related ground too.

None of these steps can promise complete protection on their own, but together they form a sensible baseline for anyone with smart devices connected to their home network.

Worth thinking about alongside your physical security

Smart home technology can add a lot of convenience, but it's worth treating the digital side of your home with the same care as the physical side. Simple habits, like strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and keeping devices updated, go a long way, and choosing home security products built with these principles in mind can help too.

If you'd like to look at options for your own home, you can browse SimpliSafe UK or get in touch with any questions about setup and account security for your system.