Archives - Smart 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.

Security Challenges of the Hybrid Workplace

The events of the last two years have largely shuttered offices and left many businesses working from home. Although it took some adjusting, this new, hybrid model has done wonders for productivity. According to Enterprise Technology Research, as shared by Reuters, productivity was so high in 2020 that the percentage of people working from home […]

Delete recordings on your Amazon Alexa to protect your privacy

Did you know that Alexa is always listening? Alexa listens for your “wake” word, the phrase that tells the device to start doing something. When you say Alexa’s wake word, the device will record everything it hears until the interaction has ended. It does this to optimize and personalize its performance specifically to the user. […]