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In the US, one in every 36 homes experience a burglary, according to an FBI crime report. In such a scenario, a home security system is a must. That’s why companies like Xfinity have introduced advanced home security systems to keep yourself safe from harm. It also includes professional monitoring 24/7 which means that if you aren’t keeping an eye on things around your home, a professional from Xfinity is. And if something unusual happens, they’ll inform you as well as the concerned authorities. Reach out to 24/7 Xfinity customer service to learn more about how their advanced home security system works. Having a home security system doesn’t end the crime rates in the US, but at least you can keep yourself safe.
When it comes to being hacked, it is less likely to happen on your home security system because they have advanced security mechanisms built in to prevent any such threats. But like any other device connected to the internet, the home security system also has the possibility of being hacked.
In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how you can stop that from happening to your home security system.
Has Your Security System Been Hacked? How to Find Out
Before we discuss how you can prevent your home security system from being hacked, you need to know how to tell if the security system has been hacked. Then you can take appropriate actions, wherever required.
Here’s how you can tell if someone is accessing your security system without your permission and you don’t even need to be tech-savvy for that:
Security Cameras Are Moving
If you notice that the security cameras are moving around, away from where you originally positioned them, that means your security system may be hacked. Because who else would move its position around beside you?
Unusual Login Activity
Most apps and websites nowadays have a record of when, where, and what device you are using and the security systems do the same as well.
You may usually access the security system from your smartphone or laptop, but if you notice that your security system is being accessed from a different device, that is an indicator that someone else could be accessing the security system.
Login Credentials Not Working
Hackers, once they gain entry to your account, will change your login credentials. So if you try to access the system and cannot do so, someone else may have changed your password.
Keep a lookout for any suspicious emails regarding password reset.
Having Issue When Accessing Other Smart Devices
If your security system has been hacked, it is also possible that the hackers gained access to other smart devices in your home. These smart devices include appliances, thermostats, and the entertainment system.
Hence, if you notice that your devices are acting strangely and not carrying out your command, know that you have been hacked.
How to Prevent Your Security System from Being Hacked?
If you figured that your security system has been hacked, you can locate it to the local authorities and they’ll deal with the rest. But it’s also your responsibility to keep checking and making sure your security system isn’t being heckled by some unknown threats. Here’s what you can try:
Have a Unique Password
Many of us pick a password that is easy to memorize such as numbers in sequence, an important date, or a phone number. That is very easy for a hacker to guess.
That is why you need to create a unique and hard-to-crack password. And make sure PIN numbers or password for accessing each part of the security system (camera, sensors, control panel) is unique.
Share your credentials only with people who you trust and make sure to change the passwords and PIN once in a while.
Make Sure the System is Encrypted
Having a wireless network connection or wireless security system means that you need to encrypt the system i.e. for each of your devices and the wireless network system as well.
Encryption means that the data is scrambled so that it can only be read by appropriate parties that have been authorized to access it. In simple words, the process of encryption takes plain text and makes it appear random to anyone who doesn’t have access to it and makes it hard for them to decode it. This slows down the hacker when he tries to enter your home security system.
Protect Your Wireless Devices
As mentioned before, anything connected to the internet is capable of being hacked and that means all your wireless devices.
Your devices have a phone app to control their features and some login access points. When a hacker accesses your security system, he tries to check if the same credentials he used to log in to the system are being used by all your devices. Meaning that if you have set the same passwords for all your devices as the security system, then it is easier for hackers to enter the system.
Hence, you need to create unique passwords for all your devices.
Final Thoughts
Finally, when it comes to the home security system, make sure you pick a system that keeps your home safe from any unknown threats. Do your research well and find the best system to install into your home. Also don’t forget your part in being responsible for keeping your home security system safe!
