Get Safe Online launches new #SmartDevices campaign

Picture: Get Safe Online

These days, devices connected to the internet, smart devices, are a daily fact of life for many of us, making our lives at home easier and more comfortable.

But Get Safe Online, the UK’s leading internet safety website, has launched a campaign warning that 'every device that’s connected to your Wi-Fi is also transmitting data which could be of interest to criminals, not least your speakers, voice assistants, cameras, intruder alarms, cameras, door locks and security lighting. Or even your kids’ toys.'

They say that 'not setting up and maintaining the appropriate security measures for your smart devices, their apps and your Wi-Fi network could lead to your information being stolen and even your every movement being observed', as well as data provided by your smart devices possibly being used by manufacturers for unwanted purposes, including being sold on to third parties.

But don't worry - help is at hand. As the provider of a website giving unbiased, factual and easy-to-understand information on online safety, Get Safe Online has the following tips to help keep you safe:

• Consider that buying well-known, reputable brands means that more care has probably been taken in securing the products – for your and your family’s security.
• For smart devices for which you need to log in to connect, replace factory-set passwords with secure ones you create yourself. This is because default administrator passwords may be common to every device shipped, and potentially insecure. If in doubt, check manufacturers’ instructions on how to change passwords.
• Don’t use the same password for more than one connected device, nor share passwords with those you already use for other online accounts.
• Make sure your Wi-Fi network is secure. Read the advice page on Wireless Networks & Hotspots at www.getsafeonline.org.
• Make sure that all your computers and mobile devices are protected with updated internet security software / app, and that access to these devices is safeguarded with a PIN or passcode.
• Check the apps associated with your connected devices and install updates as soon as prompted. Also, regularly check manufacturers’ websites for updates, as they can be slow to push these out via the app.
• Limit the amount of information you provide when setting up an app to what is absolutely necessary.
• Be aware that devices like voice assistants, smart speakers and cameras are always active and potentially recording unless you switch off or disable them.  

Find out more: for everything you need to know about securing your smart devices, visit www.getsafeonline.org and search Your Connected Home.