Securing your Smart Home

Gone are the days of having to physically switch off a light or using a remote to control your TV. The future is finally here, with the development of smart devices completely streamlining every aspect of our lives.

However, it’s important to remember that the more devices we introduce into our homes, the greater the risk that our personal information could end up in the wrong hands. So, the best (and safest) way to enjoy the convenience of smart technology is by following a few simple strategies to protect ourselves and our homes.

With that in mind, continue reading to discover how to build and secure your smart home with smart appliance rentals.

How to build a smart home

What is a smart home? Well, it’s one that is full of devices designed to make your life easier.

Smart can be thought of as another word for ‘connected’ and these days, there are an impressive array of devices that can be linked up to simplify daily tasks.

Often, these devices are all linked to a central hub — like the Google Nest. From here, you can control (via your voice) any number of different connected products, from your television to your lights. In addition, these smart assistants can provide you with a wide range of information (such as the weather and daily news headlines) and stream your favourite songs and audio tracks.

There are many other types of smart products that you can fill your home with. Take a Google Chromecast, for example. It feels like we’re watching more TV than ever before, but more often than not, the shows we are watching are found on streaming services rather than regular free-to-air channels. The Google Chromecast lets you stream whatever is on your phone, laptop, or tablet straight to your TV. Plus, when connected to your Google Nest, you can control everything with just your voice — no need for inconvenient remotes and cables anymore!

The Apple TV is a similar product that transforms your regular TV into a smarter, more connected device. Using the Apple TV you can enjoy all of your favourite streaming platforms — like Netflix, Stan, and more — in high definition, without the need to buy an entirely new television.

What to look for in a smart device

Creating your own smart home couldn’t be easier, particularly with the wide range of affordable products on the market today.

However, not all smart devices are created equal. There are several key things you need to look for when browsing for your next connected product.

To start with, it’s important that consumers are aware of the potential dangers of smart technology. Don’t stress! These ‘dangers’ are nothing too scary. Connected devices are perfectly safe, provided that you set them up correctly and opt for a reputable manufacturer such as Google or Apple.

Smart devices are part of what is known as the Internet of Things, a term used to describe the massive web of interconnected devices that have the ability to communicate with each other. This communication usually occurs in the form of sharing data, and it, unfortunately, does open users up to potential security and privacy issues.

Devices that are not protected properly risk being accessed by hackers. As such, be sure that you purchase a smart device from a trusted company. Read the terms and conditions carefully and ensure that you know what kind of information the device requires to function and where that information is being stored.

Security tips and tricks

There’s no doubting the fact that smart devices make our lives easier and there’s plenty of good reasons why many people are embracing this new technology. However, it always pays to be careful and implement a few simple strategies to secure our home.

If you’re looking to introduce a smart device into your home, be sure to:

• Protect any accounts with a secure password: Most smart assistants will require you to download an app and create an account. A Google Nest, for example, requires a Gmail account. This account needs to be protected with a secure password that cannot be easily guessed.
• Secure your Wi-Fi: A smart device is a connected one, which means you will need to hook up all of your gadgets to your home Wi-Fi network. This network should be password protected and ideally set up with the strongest level of encryption possible.
• Choose carefully: As mentioned, it’s best to go with reputable brands when selecting any type of device that is going to have access to your personal information. There may be cheaper products out there, but you could be risking your privacy and security — which is priceless!

Rent — don’t buy — your smart devices

So, now we’re completely up to date with best smart device security practices and you’re probably pretty excited to get out there and get connected!

Before you go rushing off to spend a couple of hundred dollars up-front, have you considered renting rather than purchasing? Appliance rentals for smart home products, including smart tv rentals, are surging in popularity as they are a convenient way to get your hands on the latest in technology without the shock of a large upfront cost.

Don’t miss out on all the advantages of a smart home. Investigate renting these products today and enjoy a connected, secure lifestyle.