It seems barely a week goes by without some kind of hacking news hitting the headlines. As our penchant for wireless equipment and the use of smart devices within our homes grows, so our vulnerability to hackers also increases.

So what can you do to safeguard against this silent and forever-accelerating threat? Commercial and residential security experts, Crown Security, lifts the lid on the truth behind the omnipresent risk of security hacking.

Connectivity is an open doorway

Who doesn’t love their smart speaker? Or adjusting the heating/air con or switching on the lights before arriving home. Smart items are now so commonplace that we take for granted the ability to check on our homes from anywhere, even if it’s simply to put our minds at rest that Fido isn’t tearing the sofa apart while we’re at work?

While this is uber-convenient, have you ever stopped to think how safe it is? Hackers are forever working to discover loopholes that allow them to exploit such home assets. The cybercriminal element of society knows that the communication signals used by these devices are vulnerable to interception. Add in the fact that connected security and smart equipment rely on the cloud or internet, and it becomes clear that should a hacker gain access they can freely exploit our data.

Scary stuff, eh! So what’s the answer? Old school equipment that isn’t connected to the system? Well, apparently not…

Off-network security systems

It might come as a surprise, but even hard-wired, non-digital systems and devices that aren’t connected to the internet or cloud pose a threat, albeit less than those that are wireless and/or ‘smart’. This is because they rely on high-frequency signals to communicate to a central control panel. The interception of these are, in many cases, a piece of cake for a savvy hacker to decrypt.

Once this is achieved it’s but a small step to prevent a security system from sounding an alert or a silent signal, so rendering it ineffective.

However… Before you throw your hands up in surrender, there are some very strategic steps you can take to protect yourself from the ongoing threat of hackers.

Safeguarding your home security system and smart devices.

If we accept that being connected has the potential to make us vulnerable, then we can take the necessary steps to counter the risk.

• Only use equipment with the latest, most secure technology: First and foremost is to choose your kit with great care. Your choice of security system and all connected devices within your home need to be the most secure possible –  ones that allow for regular software updates from the manufacturers to address any security issues and patch the vulnerabilities.
• Take the professional approach: Take expert advice when it comes to the installation or upgrade of a home security system. Perth-based Crown Security have been looking after WA’s home owners and business security needs since 1994, and are leaders in the subject of secure home security and automation solutions. Their experienced team takes the threat of hacking very seriously, ensuring that they only supply products that offer the highest protection against any cybersecurity threat.

Protect your home with a Crown Security system

As tech advances so hackers get more inventive. The last thing anyone needs is to think their home is secure, only for it to be exposed to a data breach.

Crown Security only uses the most advanced of systems, as well as ensuring any connected home automation is staunchly protected.

To find out more, or for advice on equipment already in-situ, give our friendly team a chat on 08 9400 6000.