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A Smart Home Might Be a Dumb Idea
But there are ways to mitigate the risk
Smart home devices are convenient, but they can also create serious security risks.
A homeowner recently filed a lawsuit against the doorbell company Ring after a hacker accessed his camera and talked to his children. Baby monitors have been hacked, too. And by shining a laser, hackers can do apparently do anything from open a garage door to make purchases on an Alexa.
The companies themselves have the potential collect and record a lot of data about how the devices are used. With all the privacy concerns lately, what makes smart homes so … smart?
The overall risks of using the “Internet of things,” everyday devices connected to the Internet, don’t seem to be deterring customers. Over 41 million households in the U.S. have smart devices, and the number is only expected to grow over time.
The devices themselves range from doorbell cameras, thermostats, and light bulbs, to locks, motion sensors, and responsive speakers. There’s even a smart showerhead coming out this year.
There are multiple benefits to smart devices. A smart thermostat or light bulbs can be controlled through your phone, so you can turn them off when they’re not needed. A camera can help you monitor your home while you’re away…
