How to practice smart device security this holiday season

1. Go back to the basics

When you’re coming into the house, be sure to close and lock your doors. If you’ve got a smart lock, you can avoid fumbling around for your keys in the dark. You’ll only need to enter a code or scan your fingerprint to get inside more quickly. That caution should extend to the rest of your house, too.

2. Check settings and updates upon installation

When we first get a new device, the temptation is to speed through setting it up. We want to connect it to our home or other devices and use it right away. That can prove a costly decision down the line.

Some devices may default to a setting that shares more information than you’re comfortable divulging. For example, many smart televisions are capable of recording conversations, which means they may be picking up things you’re saying, even if the television appears to be turned off.^[1] The good news: Just about every smart gadget has a way to limit access for anyone that may use it—including someone outside of your home.   

We recommend:

• As you’re installing your smart device, take a few minutes to read any accompanying instructions, whether it’s through a manual or an online guide.
• If allowed by your device, require entering a passcode or using a thumbprint. You’ll have to look within the settings of a device, but you can put security parameters in place and stay secure.

3. Update devices regularly

That device security should extend beyond the installation phase. Be sure to update whenever new versions of software are available. Yes, it’s a bit of a nuisance to wait while your device updates, since you were likely hoping to use it immediately. The extra time spent waiting will help patch potential bugs and issues that could compromise your security. That’s worth not being able to watch an episode of Schitt’s Creek for a few minutes.

We recommend:

• If you don't want to have to remember to update apps,  individually, set your smartphone or tablet to check for updates and have it happen automatically.

4. Be careful with apps

Most smart products on the market today have a corresponding app. A smart cooker may have guided recipes on its app, or a tablet for children may allow you to control settings and play media through a standalone app.

Unfortunately, apps also offer another entry point for hackers. If they’re able to access it, they can drop malware onto your phone, access credit card data or hear conversations you’re having — and sometimes even participate themselves.^[2]

We recommend:

• Before you download an app, be sure to read what kind of access you’re giving it.
• Only download from approved stores or vendors.
• If your child has a device, limit access so they can only make a purchase or download something if you approve it.
• Just like your smart tech software, keep your apps updated, too. Newer versions of apps introduce new functionalities and more secure features. Developers take feedback from customers and implement it to better serve users.

5. Keep and eye on packages and deliveries

A decade or two ago, holiday shopping looked a little different. You’d go to a store to pick out gifts for your friends and family. Maybe you navigated around the excessive line for Santa Claus at your local mall, or perhaps you even got into a scuffle with someone over the last toy in the store.

Today? The Internet has largely replaced those holiday department store trips. But the ease of online shopping brings another potential security risk: packages sitting at your door, unattended for hours. Some vendors will send packages in nondescript boxes, but others will use a product’s original packaging, making it quite obvious what’s inside. 

And unfortunately, simply installing a front door camera isn’t enough. In fact, security cameras make up 47 percent of overall hacking attempts.^[3]

We recommend:

• If you can’t bring your gifts into your home immediately, keep them out of view, either in your trunk or tucked under a seat.
• Install a security or doorbell camera to see what’s going on outside and install dual-factor authentication. 
• If you'll be out and are expecting a package, have a neighbor keep an eye out for you and hold it at their home until you're back.

6. Take additional precautions with guests

While the previous guidance emphasized limiting gatherings to individuals within one's household, the current recommendations may vary depending on the local COVID-19 situation and vaccination rates. It's crucial to stay updated on the latest guidelines from the CDC and local health authorities to ensure safe holiday celebrations.

If you do host people at your home, you’ll want to be extra vigilant around your smart devices. Your guests can be security threats, too — and they may not even realize it.

For example, with people more regularly coming in and out, you may disable the smart lock or alarm system for your home. If one of your guests doesn’t fully close the door, there’s an opportunity for someone else to enter.

Similarly, you may have someone fiddle with the settings on a smart TV, smartphone, tablet or other device as they attempt to get it working. There’s no malice behind their actions, but maybe they’ve turned on listening capabilities to all hours of the day, instead of only when the device is in use.

We recommend:

• If you're traveling for the holidays, only give guests who will be housesitting or checking in on things temporary codes to smart-locked doors.
• When your guests have left, do a quick sweep to ensure everything is digitally tidy.