Home safety is vital for both physical and emotional wellbeing. Our homes are where we eat, sleep, and spend time with family – basically, where we’re most vulnerable. Taking steps to secure our homes provides peace of mind amidst everyday stresses.

Often, people opt for traditional security measures, commencing with the installation of sturdy doors (such as these Black Badge Doors) and windows. These fortified entry points act as a physical shield, deterring potential intruders and safeguarding the home. Their durability is designed to withstand attempts at forced entry, adding an extra layer of protection against break-ins.

Doors serve as the primary physical barrier between the outside world and the interior of a home or building, making them a fundamental element of any security strategy. Constructed from materials like solid wood, iron (search for the best iron doors online), or reinforced steel, these doors are not easily breached, deterring potential intruders and providing a sense of safety for occupants. While modern security systems and technologies have evolved significantly, the timeless value of a strong, well-installed door cannot be underestimated, making it a cornerstone in safeguarding homes and businesses alike.

Furthermore, enhancing outdoor security involves the installation of effective outdoor lighting, discouraging criminal activity in the vicinity. Besides this, it’s advisable for homeowners to consult a Fence contractor in Rockwall, TX (or wherever you live) for fencing as it further creates another barrier against intruders and reinforces safety.

Actions like maintenance, lighting, and locks involve small efforts, but have a major impact. Apart from these traditional methods, you can even consider installing a home security system with door and window sensors and cameras to monitor entry points. While these connected devices provide convenience, we must also be aware of potential security risks.

Nowadays, smart homes are gaining traction thanks to greater convenience, connectivity and automation. Smart homes are everywhere- all the new appliances and gadgets in the market today are taking the idea of a ‘connected’ home farther. Smart and automated homes are also turning from nerd-fantasy to real-life examples of exuberance and comfort supported by technology. However, when we talk about this industry, we also find a looming threat of security breach ready to alter the course of our lives.

The problem

There are a few issues in dire need of redressal when it comes to smart homes. First off, we need to focus on privacy. The incredible amount of personal data stored in these devices means that people could be at a real threat of being watched. Several smart devices now come with video and audio recording facilities that could be hacked into. In addition to this, data like preferences of an individual, his diet, his lifestyle, etc. could now be ‘available’ for the hackers to use.

We must note that most smart devices remain connected to the internet all the time and can send or receive data from other devices with ease. In turn, they are also connected to a mobile device, that acts as a master key to all the data stored in every device. A hacker can easily breach into one device and then infect the others. He can also breach the mobile device where information from all other devices is collected. Worse so, he can hack into a WIFI network shared by all devices. This could be especially dangerous for businesses whose employees manage many things from their mobile phones. It is one of the reasons why businesses may require installing Mobile Threat Detection tools on their employees’ devices to effectively monitor cellular and wireless network traffic for unauthorized, suspicious, or malicious behavior. It may protect data from being breached and misused by hackers.

Malware, hacking attacks, and even cryptojacking attacks are becoming common in our internet-connected devices these days. For instance, 90% of Android TVs are vulnerable to security breaches. Anyone can gain control of what you watch on TV, gather your personal information or even use your device to mine cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. That certainly isn’t a pleasant situation.

Another global threat that has been growing at an unprecedented rate since 2017 is ransomware. Hackers gain control of your device, lock the files and then ask for big payments, often in digital currencies, for releasing your system. WannaCry ransomware attack last year was a staggering example of this situation.

Does that mean there is no recoil?

Smart homes are still in their very nascent stages, and the technology around these devices is developing rapidly. This helps in keeping devices secure and removing any personally identifiable data from the information pool that could be used against the customers. In addition to this, there could be higher standards of security in the industry that will be witnessed as more uses cases of this technology are revealed.

Overall, there is no harm in using smart devices in your home or office. However, it would be worthwhile to ensure that only those devices that keep security first are bought. This could keep the threats away from you.