It should come as no surprise that smart doorbells and web-based home security systems did not make Today.com’s best tech gifts of 2019 list. Marketed as a way to keep your neighborhood and home safe, news outlets and elected officials are suggesting that these products are doing everything but. And that’s because, over the last few years, the product and more specifically, its manufacturers have received significant criticism from unsatisfied customers and even members of Congress due to data privacy and cybersecurity concerns.

You may remember seeing security footage from a well-rated smart home security system that recently went viral. While a seemingly ordinary scene at first glance, the eerie video shows an 8-year-old girl playing in her room when suddenly an unfamiliar voice begins talking to her through the system’s speaker. Additionally, in November, five United States Senators sent a letter to a popular smart doorbell company demanding answers to questions regarding consumer data and privacy.

While the reported cyberattacks are unsettling, to say the least, Business Insider claims they are largely preventable. Unfortunately, we can’t state the same about the data privacy concerns as there are still many unanswered questions. However, as your local property management company, Peacock Properties would like to share the straightforward steps you can take to ensure the security of your smart home devices. When done correctly, Business Insider suggests they will help prevent possible cyberattacks.

1. If your system has the capability, enable two-factor authentication.
2. Make sure your passwords have not been compromised in a past data breach.
3. If applicable, check that all outdoor cameras are securely attached to your property.
4. Never share security footage on social media.
5. Routinely delete stored video footage.
6. Regularly change your passwords.
7. Keep your system’s software up-to-date.

We don’t share this information to scare you but rather to keep you informed and, most importantly, safe. If you do not currently use smart home technology, several of the steps above can also be applied to your other internet-connected devices. If you take away anything from this blog, we hope it is this – when using the internet, always connect to a secure network and never use the same password twice. Unfortunately, many people still make the mistake of repeatedly using the same username and password combinations, making them extremely suspectable to an attack.

At Peacock Properties, we believe in the power of innovation and technology, which is why we have integrated a secure, web-based property management platform into our business practice. Though convenient and efficient, technology will never replace our desire to form deep personal relationships with our property owners. Whether chatting via email, over the phone, or in-person, our clients always receive our undivided attention.

If the New Year has inspired you to implement change at your property, we’d love to hear from you and see if we may be a good fit. To learn more about our unique property management approach, visit us online or contact us today.