Security cameras give us peace of mind that our homes and valuables are secure once we’re away. A doorbell camera could be a big deterrent for sneaky thieves. With the vacations right across the corner, tap or click here for my best advice to maintain your packages secure.
They don’t seem to be failsafe, though. Crooks can jam Wi-Fi-connected video doorbells and rob you before you realize what happened. It’s rare but possible. Tap or click for smart ways to stop them of their tracks.
The excellent news is there are steps you’ll be able to take to guard the devices that protect you.
1. You cheaped out.
All of us want to avoid wasting a buck, but going for the most cost effective option is rarely smart regarding tech. I do not just mean you will miss out on essential features, either. Low cost brands usually tend to cut corners on the subject of security, too.
Listed here are the features I believe are necessary:
Audio recording and HD video (you’ll wish you had this in case something happens and you wish the footage)
A privacy shutter that covers the lens whenever you don’t want the camera filming
Not less than seven days of storage
Regular security and firmware updates
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My pick is SimpliSafe, a sponsor of my show. I prefer DIY options that will let you order what you wish online and set all of it up yourself without paying for installation or a costly annual contract.
Speaking of saving money, these five mistakes are like flushing money down the bathroom.
2. You simply plugged it in to get it to work.
Repeat after me: Default passwords have to be modified. This step is important on the subject of your security system and even only a standalone camera.
There’s no excuse for using a weak password, either. Even in the event you don’t pay for a password manager, the foremost browsers have built-in tools that generate and store unique passwords for you.
If you happen to use a password manager, make certain it uses 256-bit encryption and two-factor authentication, on the very least.
Another choice is to make use of a web-based password generator to create something virtually unguessable. You may note this down digitally (not in your desktop!) and even in a paper notebook. Keep this away out of your computer.
Tap or click for the most effective free password-generating sites on the market.
Home security system
(iStock)
3. You ignore the updates.
You’re used to updating your smartphone and your computer. It’s essential do the identical for the remaining of your connected devices.
Updates improve features and usefulness but, more importantly, often beef up a tool’s security. Automatic updates are often turned on by default, but you must pop in and check from time to time to make sure you’re protected.
You may check out your software version through your device’s app. For instance, open the app and go to Account > Firmware Update if you might have a Wyze system. Here you’ll be able to be sure you might have the latest software for every device. Otherwise, there’s an Upgrade All option at the underside.
I get numerous questions on security cams, but much more about what to do in the event you suspect someone is spying in your phone. Tap or click for signs a hacker can see every thing you do.
Bonus Mistake: You forgot about your router.
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Your router settings affect every thing connected to your Wi-Fi, including your security cameras. Be sure yours is locked down.
Listed here are some helpful suggestions:
Keep your router updated just as you’d any device in your private home.
A great router must have strong encryption. The old standard is Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2). Newer devices use the superior WPA3. If it’s been years because you updated your route, take my quick quiz to seek out the proper model for your private home.
A built-in firewall is standard in most routers manufactured within the last decade. You may tweak settings to customize what data goes out and in of your router, but watch out, as you’ll be able to make things worse. The default setting is sweet enough for many situations.
Go into your router settings and disable distant access. It’s not price leaving it on in the event you need a tech to leaf through it. You’ll often find this setting under Distant Administration.
Person plugging in cable to wireless router. Close up.
(iStock)
Keep your tech-know going
My popular podcast is known as “Kim Komando Today.” It’s a solid half-hour of tech news, suggestions, and callers with tech questions such as you from everywhere in the country. Seek for it wherever you get your podcasts. On your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode.
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Listed here are all the brand new iOS 16 features you didn’t know. Plus, the best way to make strangers read your emails, secret AR setting in Google Maps, WhatsApp may soon allow you to hide your online status, what happens to your Google account whenever you die and the best way to stop email tracking.
Try my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.
Hearken to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just seek for my last name, “Komando.”
What digital lifestyle questions do you might have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to seek out it in your local radio station. You may take heed to or watch The Kim Komando Show in your phone, tablet, television, or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.
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Find out about all the newest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her every day suggestions, free newsletters, and more, visit her website at Komando.com.
