Yes, it’s a smart home. And it needs special protection

Internet of Things, smart devices, connected appliances, helpful homes are all touted as the next big thing in technology innovation, yet research shows many people don’t even realize they are already living in a smart home. And, with many smart devices lacking essential security features, which makes them vulnerable to hackers, it’s important to know why and how to protect your home in the IoT age.

That’s why Bitdefender, makers of Bitdefender BOX, the unique device that provides all-around protection for the entire smart home, has teamed up with the animation powerhouse Kurzgesagt to produce a video explainer about IoT security.

It’s a simple message: if you’ve got connected devices around your household, you live in a smart home, and that home is getting smarter with every new shinny gadget or appliance you’re buying. And because things that connect to the internet can also be hacked — some being more vulnerable than others — there are a few things you should do to keep danger at bay.

Don’t have a smart fridge that can order your groceries for you yet? How about smart lightbulbs that you can control from your phone? Didn’t you get an Amazon Echo or a Google Home intelligent speaker this holiday season? Internet connected video cameras? The Internet of Things is about all these devices and many, many more — and yes, your smartphone, tablet and laptop count too. We connect to our things and they connect to each other.

Although it may appear that this way we have more control over our lives, we are actually relinquishing control so we can live more comfortably (remember, a fridge ordering your groceries for you, right?). That’s not necessarily a bad thing — after all, all good managers delegate responsibilities, aren’t they? But if we are not careful, someone could take control of our devices, and use them to adversely impact our lives.

We can prevent this by always paying attention to security when it comes to smart devices. Change the default passwords (and come up with something other than your pet’s name), make sure they get all the software updates, keep an eye out for devices acting up (sluggishness could be a bad sign, for example). And, best of all, get a device that can protect your entire wi-fi network (hint: it’s called Bitdefender BOX).

Please watch the film  and let us know what you think.