Hackers in Europe recently took control of refrigeration systems inside grocery stores, raising temperatures and ruining food.The incident is a reminder that cyberattacks are no longer limited to stealing passwords, credit card numbers, or personal information.Hackers can also target internet-connected devices that control physical equipment.And some of those devices may be inside your home.The FBI has warned for years about the risks of internet-connected devices, often called IoT devices. There are also documented cases of hackers gaining access to consumer security cameras, garage door systems, and other connected technology.The problem is that many people may not realize how many devices in their homes are actually connected to the internet.That list can include:Video doorbellsGarage door openersSmart TVsSecurity camerasStreaming devicesRefrigeratorsThermostatsSmart speakersOther appliances and smart-home devicesIn many homes, dozens of devices may be connected to the same WiFi network.See what is connected to your networkOne of the easiest things you can do is open the app or settings page for your WiFi router.Look for a section labeled Device Manager, Connected Devices, or something similar.You may be surprised by what you find.Some devices may have been connected years ago and forgotten. Others may be smart-home products you use every day without thinking about their internet connection.Every connected device can potentially create another point of attack if it is not properly secured.Start with your routerYour router is the gateway between your home network and the internet, so securing it should be the first step.If you have never changed the administrator login information, do it now.Some older routers shipped with default usernames and passwords that are widely available online.Use a strong, unique password that you do not use anywhere else.You should also check for available firmware or software updates. Router manufacturers regularly release updates to fix security vulnerabilities.Put smart devices on a guest networkAnother step is creating a separate guest WiFi network for your smart-home devices.Connect things such as security cameras, TVs, smart speakers, doorbells, thermostats, and appliances to that network.Keep your computers and phones on your primary network.That separation can help limit the damage if one of your smart devices is compromised. An attacker who gets into a poorly secured camera or appliance may have a harder time reaching the computers and phones where you keep more sensitive personal information.Smart devices are convenient, but they need security tooCyberattacks can come from other countries, organized hacker groups, criminals, or even pranksters.You may not be able to stop someone from trying to attack your network.But you can make your home a much more difficult target.Start with your router, use strong passwords, install updates, and take a few minutes to see exactly how many devices in your home are connected to the internet.
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