Readers can learn how to set up and manage smart home devices to keep their home and information safe, following steps from the UK National Cyber Security Centre.
What it does
The UK National Cyber Security Centre provides guidance on how to set up and manage your smart devices to keep your home and your information safe.
Before you start
You will almost certainly need an internet connection, a smartphone or tablet, and to install an app or create an online account to manage the device. You should avoid buying devices that are no longer supported by the manufacturer, or whose support period will end soon.
Steps
Step 1: Create a secure password for your smart device when you first set it up, or change it if the device comes with a default password. Make sure you create a secure one, for example by combining three random words.
Step 2: Turn on 2-step verification if the device or app offers it to make it much harder for criminals to access your devices. Switch off the remote access functionality if you do not need to access your smart device when you are away from your home Wi-Fi.
Step 3: Keep your device updated by switching on the option to install automatic updates if available, and installing any manual updates when prompted.
What to do
- Check reviews, minimum requirements, and manufacturer support periods before choosing a device.
- Create a secure password or change default passwords, for example by combining three random words.
- Turn on 2-step verification (2SV) if the device or app offers it.
- Switch off remote access functionality if you do not need to access the device away from your home Wi-Fi.
- Switch on automatic updates if available and install manual updates when prompted.
Key facts and where they come from
- The guidance explains how to set up and manage smart devices to keep homes and information safe.
This page explains how to set up and manage your smart devices to keep your home – and your information – safe.
- Users should create secure passwords by combining three random words.
make sure you create a secure one, for example by combining three random words.
- Users can enable automatic updates or install manual updates when prompted.
switch on the option to install automatic updates (if available)
