IPhone users noticed a brand new icon with the latest system upgrade to iOS 10. The mysterious “Home” button is one of many smartphone options to access a wealth of home automation systems. This is no doubt that automation systems make life very convenient for modern homeowners by providing the ability to unlock the door, see who is ringing the bell, and adjust the temperature or turn off the lights from afar.

But can home automation systems be considered safe for those who are concerned with personal security? Read on to find out!

Home Automation Systems

Before we get too far, we should probably explain a little bit about home automation systems. These systems, often controlled with a smartphone app, allow you to manage many of the functions of your home. Simple systems can be used to turn lights off and on and adjust the temperature, while more sophisticated home automation controls will allow you to adjust everything from the blinds to the volume of the music in your living room, from across the room or across the world.

It’s certainly a fascinating area of emerging technology, but as a full-service security company, we are primary concerned with how these modern innovations will affect your personal security at home.

Home Automation Safety Precautions

Though it’s able to perform more nifty tricks, your smartphone-enabled home automation system isn’t that much different than a good old-fashioned key fob or garage door opener. That is to say that if someone with bad intentions got a hold of them, serious damage could be done to the safety and security of your home. Luckily, there are precautions you can take help stay secure.

Cyber security is an area of great concern to all of us in this digital age. We can help you to keep your home secure with state of the art security systems, including home monitoring systems, video surveillance and alarm monitoring, but when it comes to managing those systems remotely, we need your help to make sure that any mobile devices connected to your home security system are kept secure.

Mobile Device Home Security

There are a few things simple you can do to help keep your home automation system protected from those with nefarious intentions:

Secure your internet router: Use a password that isn’t easy to guess and choose Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2) for maximum protection;

Always use secure Wi-Fi: It’s convenient to use the free Wi-Fi at places like Starbucks and the local library, but this is not a secure channel. It’s best to use your mobile data or a secure network to access your home automation app while away from home.

Update your password: If you can’t remember the last time you changed your password, you’re long overdue. We recommend changing the passwords on your app, your router and even your phone at least once a month.

Use the latest versions: The most frequent reasons for app updates are security patches. Make sure you check for updates for your app and the operating system for your mobile devices, and install any new versions as soon as you are able.