4 Steps Toward a More Secure Home Network

Growing Your Smart Home? Don’t Sacrifice Cyber Security

Smart homes are growing in waves as today’s consumer technologies hit top charts and become more accessible to homeowners everywhere. Whether you’re just installing a Nest thermostat and an Amazon Echo or integrating your entire house with a robust home automation system, it’s important that you consider the safety of your home network.

In this blog, we’ll take you through four steps that will help ensure the network that connects your home in Rogers, Arkansas is guarded against potential hackers. Just keep reading to learn more.

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Secure Your Router

Your router is a digital doorway into your home, so securing it with a complex, customized password is essential to keeping hackers away from your home automation devices. When selecting a router for your home, look for one with a solid security track record, and make sure you immediately change the default name and password that is provided.

It’s also important to check that your router’s firmware is up to date. Just as your home’s exterior is the first defense against unwanted activity, your router is the first defense against network attacks. So, use a router that is reliable, robust, and secure.

Work with Trusted Brands

Whether you’re working on a small DIY smart-home project or paying a team to install an extensive control system, make sure you are working with brands and companies that show full commitment to the integrity of their products and services.

“The majority of companies are ignoring the [security] basics,” said Colby Moore, a research analyst for security firm Synack, in a 2015 home automation device study led by the company. “You want someone who has been around, someone with a reputation.”

Don’t skip your research. To ensure a secure and reliable network, look for companies and products that will put safety first, so you can have peace of mind when controlling your smart home.

• Pick a Cloud Service
  You may wonder how a cloud service for your home automation devices increases safety when cloud hosting can pose many threats if not properly secured. By using a cloud service for your automation system, your trusted service provider and installer will be able to run diagnostics and keep your network secure from anywhere in the world. That means quicker checkups by security professionals you trust.
  
  A cloud service offers more convenience for both you and your installer. It also means you don’t have to worry about managing the safety of your network by yourself. Put that responsibility into the hands of the professionals so you can rest easy.
  
  
• Check for Upgrades
  Although some upgrades to your smart devices may just be for aesthetic appeal, other upgrades can be critical to fixing potential security problems. When your smart devices come out with new models, check their features to see if they offer stronger security for your needs.
  
  What’s more, make sure to keep the software of your devices up to date to ensure optimum security. When you’re notified of a new update for any of your smart devices, don’t put it off for later as it could be a patch for a potential security flaw.

Looking to upgrade your network security? If you’re unsure where to begin, our team at AV Design Consultants can help. We’re the leading experts for smart-home network security in Rogers, Bentonville, and the surrounding Arkansas areas.

We provide ongoing support to all our customers and deliver diagnostic services remotely, so you can be confident that any potential security issues are solved right away. We also work only with top-quality manufacturers to ensure the security of your network is robust and reliable.

 

Elevate the security of your network today by calling us at (479) 365 2201 or sending a chat below to speak with one of our team members now. We look forward to hearing from you!