‘Who guards the guardians?’ goes the popular saying. The same could also be said for home automation systems: are smart devices truly immune to clever interferences? Sadly, the answer is no. The complex algorithms and advanced technology behind the security industry only hinder simple-minded thugs and thieves. Hackers and jammer-jockeys, on the other hand, can easily find backdoor access to your alarm system, effectively disabling it from a distance. There are also known cases of smart tech exploits where shadowy individuals messed with the lighting system and produced a horribly large energy bill. So how can alarm and home automation companies take up the gloves against them? Well, they call for the help of the modern Robin Hoods of the security industry.
It’s important to note that just because a gifted individual is capable of hacking or coding a worm algorithm it doesn’t necessarily mean that they won’t necessarily release it onto the public. Skilled programmers often pride themselves on the fact they spot security vulnerabilities in certain systems, but then they contact the company and warn them about it. They often go the extra mile and help the big guys developing a fix or mitigate the problem themselves.
Rapid7 is a group of researchers specialized in this particular activity. One of their former members, Phil Bosco, recently discovered several flaws in popular home security systems provided by Comcast XFINITY, ADT, and AT&T Digital Life. The issues involved compromised Wi-Fi networks, jammed door and window sensors and the sharing of unencrypted security data. Rapid7 and the aforementioned manufacturers worked together to resolve these problems. The same could be said about Philips Lighting, who was presented an IoT worm designed by a group of programmers. Their intention was to design an attacking algorithm that exploits a flaw in the system, leading to malfunctioning electric grids city-wide and epileptic seizures through constantly flickering lights. The problem was eventually found and fixed.
Just because home security manufacturers show a willingness to patch out any vulnerability that pops into their head doesn’t mean that you, as a homeowner, can sit back and relax. In some aspects, you are still the one with the most control over your home. Staying in the loop by reading about security flaws and hacking trends on blogs like this is crucial, since not only will you inform yourself about the possible dangers, but also discover which manufacturers act in a responsible manner. Our stories showed prove that companies such as Philips Lighting, ADT, Comcast XFINITY and AT&T Digital Life care enough to co-operate with other sources to make their products more secure. Of course, alarms and home automation devices require constant software or firmware updates in order to stay ahead of malicious attackers.
Last but not least, don’t neglect the defense of your router either. Replace the standard password with a stronger one and consider protecting your Wi-Fi network with a VPN. Flashed routers that come with VPN software pre-installed are pretty common nowadays, eliminating the chance of hacker attacks.
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