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Are your smart home gadgets at risk of being hacked?

As a paperless company with all kinds of nifty tech designed to improve business and customer service, Best Security Okanagan understands the appeal of Internet-connected gadgets. It seems like there’s some new and cool toy coming out every week, from intelligent thermostats and WiFi enabled door locks to baby monitors connected to the ‘cloud’. But if all of these modern conveniences are connected to the Internet and computers, doesn’t that also put them at risk of being hacked?

That’s exactly the question that had governments, tech giants and security professionals on high alert this past October when hackers took control of millions of connected devices and used them to bring down some of the biggest websites in the world, including Twitter, Spotify, Netflix and the New York Times. Huge portions of the Internet were brought down by smart baby monitors, webcams, smart TVs, thermostats, and other household tech items.

At this point, the technology has evolved too quickly for governments to keep up and in many ways the industry is unregulated. Without proper security checks in place, there’s no way to know whether or not your device, and your home, can be hacked. Imagine if a clever burglar was able to easily hack into your WiFi-enabled deadbolt or hack into your in-home security cameras, giving them the ability to monitor your home without you knowing.

Protecting your home from IoT security threats

While there are some serious security concerns for Internet of Things home gadgets, toys and cars, there are also simple steps you can take to help protect your family and minimize risk.

  1. Change default passwords and select passwords that are complex and unpredictable. Default passwords are universal and make it easier for hackers to access and control your devices.
  2. Update your software regularly. These updates often include patches for security and can help address vulnerabilities in the system.
  3. Reconsider whether your device actually NEEDS to be connected. Don’t purchase connected devices simply for the sake of having the latest gadget. Maybe your refrigerator doesn’t have to be smart.
  4. Entrust your home security with experts. Rather than setting up unsecured consumer webcams around your home and property, work with a residential and commercial security expert to install cameras that are designed by trusted security companies. Likewise for your WiFi-enabled doorbells, deadbolts, and thermostats.

Posted in Home Security

  • Great personal customer service!

    Great personal customer service! How refreshing it was to talk to a person every time I called, and not being transferred from one person to another, or voice mail. I value my questions being answered and having a local company being here in Kelowna to address my concerns. Quick, professional installation, I'm looking forward to having a long-term relationship with Best Security looking after my security requirements.

    M R

    5.0
    2018-03-19T17:06:44+00:00

    M R

    Great personal customer service! How refreshing it was to talk to a person every time I called, and not being transferred from one person to another, or voice mail. I value my questions being answered and having a local company being here in Kelowna to address my concerns. Quick, professional installation, I'm looking forward to having a long-term relationship with Best Security looking after my security requirements.
    https://www.bestsecuritybc.com/blog/testimonials/great-personal-customer-service/

    New home construction & renovations

    [Best Security's] knowledge, passion and integrity result in clear communication and timely completion of top quality work.

    Brian Roth
    Hartley Homes & Consulting
    Kelowna

    5.0
    2016-11-18T16:30:12+00:00

    Brian Roth
    Hartley Homes & Consulting
    Kelowna

    [Best Security's] knowledge, passion and integrity result in clear communication and timely completion of top quality work.
    https://www.bestsecuritybc.com/blog/testimonials/test/

    Trusted by REALTORS

    The technicians arrived spot on time; were in and out quickly and a nice surprise was that they cleaned up behind themselves.

    Terry Compton
    PREC* RE/MAX Kelowna

    5.0
    2016-11-24T16:49:38+00:00

    Terry Compton
    PREC* RE/MAX Kelowna

    The technicians arrived spot on time; were in and out quickly and a nice surprise was that they cleaned up behind themselves.
    https://www.bestsecuritybc.com/blog/testimonials/test-2/

    Excellent Service!

    We have found the system installation and monitoring service provided by Best Security Okanagan to be excellent. They are professional, quick and very responsive.

    Peter Holmes

    5.0
    2018-03-19T17:03:16+00:00

    Peter Holmes

    We have found the system installation and monitoring service provided by Best Security Okanagan to be excellent. They are professional, quick and very responsive.
    https://www.bestsecuritybc.com/blog/testimonials/excellent-service/

    Best Security – you rock!

    I am amazed by how much convenience and piece of mind they have given me. Best Security has called us when our water sensors went off. I know that we dodged a huge bullet (a friend didn't know about a slow leaking pipe in their place and it cost them over $50,000 and almost a year in renovations). Best Security has also let me into my own place (when I left my keys in Calgary). This saved my family and I over 6 hours of travelling time. Best Security - you rock!

    Julia Babucik

    5.0
    2018-03-19T17:09:40+00:00

    Julia Babucik

    I am amazed by how much convenience and piece of mind they have given me. Best Security has called us when our water sensors went off. I know that we dodged a huge bullet (a friend didn't know about a slow leaking pipe in their place and it cost them over $50,000 and almost a year in renovations). Best Security has also let me into my own place (when I left my keys in Calgary). This saved my family and I over 6 hours of travelling time. Best Security - you rock!
    https://www.bestsecuritybc.com/blog/testimonials/best-security-you-rock/

    Thank you for my peace of mind

    The owner and the technician are extremely knowledgeable, super friendly, and fast and efficient . I feel so much safer now, and my insurance company gives me extra discount because I installed a monitored system. Thank you for my peace of mind.

    Sonja Riediger

    5.0
    2018-03-19T17:08:35+00:00

    Sonja Riediger

    The owner and the technician are extremely knowledgeable, super friendly, and fast and efficient . I feel so much safer now, and my insurance company gives me extra discount because I installed a monitored system. Thank you for my peace of mind.
    https://www.bestsecuritybc.com/blog/testimonials/thank-you-for-my-peace-of-mind/

    The homeowner’s choice

    I have had other projects done by other security companies, Best Security Okanagan is the best!

    Lee Keller
    Homeowner

    5.0
    2016-11-25T09:22:27+00:00

    Lee Keller
    Homeowner

    I have had other projects done by other security companies, Best Security Okanagan is the best!
    https://www.bestsecuritybc.com/blog/testimonials/the-homeowners-choice/
    5.0
    7
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