5 Failsafe Ways to Manage and Secure Your Smart Home

So your home is smart! But is it secured? With the latest enhancements in technology, homes are getting even smarter, which means you need to be even smarter, too! Smart home gadgets are the epitome of convenience. However, this convenience comes to a cost – the more internet-connected devices you own, the more vulnerable your home security can be, if you don't know how to lock down your confidential settings. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to tighten up your smart home security. Here, we will provide you with five different ways to manage and secure your smart home. Let's take the plunge.

Smart Home Security Tips

1. Use Your Own Router Instead of Your ISP's

Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) try to get you to rent a router that they provide, sometimes without even asking your preference. Whenever possible, turn down the ISP's router in favor of your own. Why so? Because the router is the heart of your home WiFi network. Using an unsecured router can put you in risks. By protecting your router, you have full control of your internet-connected home. Also, make sure to update your router's firmware on a regular basis. Outdated router firmware may leave your home network at risk. In case you own a Netgear WiFi router, you can perform the Netgear router update via the default login web page.

2. Change Your Router Password

No matter whether you get a router from your ISP or you buy it on your own, ensure that the first thing you do is change the login and password information for it. The default login username and password are easy to crack for hijackers. To change the password of your Netgear router, access the default routerlogin page and click on the Change Password option. Enter the old password and then the new one twice. Once done, click on the Apply button to save the changes done by you.

3. Update Your WiFi Network Name

Similar to the login password, keep in mind to update your network name. You don't have to make it a muddle of random letters, numbers, and symbols like a strong password, but it also should not disclose any confidential data about you. Remember to keep a unique and strong network name but something that you will be able to remember and find.

4. Create a Guest Network

Creating a guest network helps you in keeping unwanted traffic from your main network, shared devices, and files at bay. A guest network provides your guests a different access point to connect to the internet. You can generally set this up via the default Netgear router setup web page. Ensure that your guest network also has a unique name and a different strong password than your main WiFi network.

5. Always Update Your Devices

Last but not the least, be sure to always update your devices. Software updates and patches fall out for a reason. Keeping your devices up-to-date will make them secure. Always remember to update your connected apps as well. They are just as crucial as the connected devices. Sounds like a lot of work? Well, you are not completely wrong! But it is worth the effort. In case you feel like you don't have the time or patience to do all such things on your own, then opt for auto-update. If truth be told, with all the security risks that a connected home can lead to, making sure that your network is as secured as possible is a must.