The smart home market can be divided into two groups: control systems installed by certified tradespeople and components from various manufacturers that can be easily retrofitted by non-professionals. The latter group poses several security risks that users often overlook when buying.
Many manufacturers require customers to connect their devices to the internet for remote control. However, this creates security risks. Before buying, it’s essential to read reviews and check if the device can be controlled without cloud connectivity. Alternative bridges like Raspbee or Conbee can provide cloud-free control.
Ask yourself if a device’s features are necessary. For example, do you need a function that recognizes your approach to the building? It’s also crucial to consider the connectivity method. Wi-Fi devices are convenient but expose users to attacks against wireless networks.
If you must use Wi-Fi, consider isolating your devices in a separate network. The Fritzbox router has an additional “guest network” feature for this purpose. Alternatively, choose devices that follow different standards, such as Zigbee.
When securing your smart home, prioritize your router. Forgotten port authorizations and exploited protocols like UPnP can create vulnerabilities. Start with a blacklist and switch off all external connections that are not necessary.
Tools like Open VAS can help you detect potential vulnerabilities in your devices and systems. You can install it on your system via Docker or from the source code. Alternatively, use the Kali Linux distribution, which has the scanner on board. Scanning takes time, but the comprehensive report will help you recognize existing vulnerabilities.
To secure your smart home, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to minimize them. By choosing the right hardware, connectivity, and security solutions, you can protect your devices and data from vulnerabilities and attacks. Always consider the necessity of a device’s features and prioritize your router’s security to ensure a safe and secure smart home experience.
As smart home technology continues to rise in popularity, security concerns have become a pressing issue. Many smart home devices, especially those that can be easily retrofitted by non-professionals, create a range of security problems that users often overlook.
Some manufacturers, like Xiaomi, require users to connect their devices to the internet, making them vulnerable to attacks. To avoid this, it’s essential to research the device before purchasing and check if it can be controlled without a cloud connection. Alternative bridges, such as Raspbee or Conbee, can also provide control without the cloud.
While Wi-Fi connected devices may seem convenient, they expose the user to various attacks. Choosing devices with alternative standards, such as Zigbee, can minimize security risks. If a Wi-Fi connection is necessary, isolating devices in a separate network, like a guest network on a Fritzbox router, can help reduce risks.
The router is often the weakest link in the network. Regularly checking for forgotten port authorizations and disabling UPnP can help harden the network. Using a blacklist approach, turning off all external connections to devices that are not necessary, is an effective strategy.