Programmable thermostats, smartphone connected door locks, facial recognition cameras, smart garage door openers, and fancy wireless pet cameras that can actually play with your pets while you’re away. These are just a few of the connected devices that provide numerous conveniences.
Here’s something interesting: According to a study conducted by Gartner, there will be approximately 4.9 billion connected devices in 2015 – up 30 percent from 2014 – and this number is being forecasted to reach 25 billion by 2020. Thus making the Internet of Things (IoT) a formidable force!
Connected Devices: Automating Tasks
It’s pretty cool to explore the newest connected devices that today’s tech companies come up with including devices that turn on the lights, open the garage door from a beach in Bermuda (or your office), stir that pot of homemade chili, lock doors and even pre-heat the oven; among other common household tasks.
The goal for these connected devices, and more just like them, is to automate tasks so that you can go about your daily routine that much easier. It’s important to note that all of these devices go hand in hand with a smartphone application that is used to “communicate” with the device. Sound cool, right?
But where exactly is all this data being stored? And, what exactly is it being used for, besides what the device was initially designed to do? How do you know your privacy is secure? These are just a few of the questions rattling around the heads of many homeowners.
While anything new – which this technology definitely is – can admittedly be scary, it important to realize that there are inherent risks with everything in life, and that as long as you take some precautionary measures (see below) you can enjoy the conveniences brought about by the Internet of Things.
How to Keep Your Privacy on Lockdown
- Change all default usernames and passwords
- Enable Wi-Fi protected access if available
- Activate firewalls on both your computer and wireless router
- Use a comprehensive security software suite
- Use strong, secure and unique passwords