Did you know that there are an estimated 180 million smart homes in the world today? And for good reason, too.
Smart homes offer improved functionality in comparison to traditional homes because of all the technological advancements they offer. This technology, in turn, makes their appliances more efficient, and ultimately, more cost-effective – saving you money in the long run.
Smart homes have made life easier for owners, providing convenience, luxury, and plenty of personalization.
Even though smart homes are an excellent alternative to traditional homes, there are still many concerns, myths, and fears that have emerged over the years.
Your Harlingen smart home builders are here to answer your question and ease the concerns you may have surrounding smart homes. We put great pride in our smart home design and construction, and tailoring them to your wants and needs.
Here are some common myths and fears surrounding smart homes, as well as tips on how to best protect yourself.
Common Fears Surrounding Smart Homes
Getting Hacked
The unfortunate truth is that with technology, there are always potential drawbacks, such as getting hacked. However, there are many measures and steps you can take to best protect yourself. Whether it’s your personal phone, computer, or any other smart device, there are always tools and resources that you can use to prevent hackers from taking advantage of loopholes in tech software.
According to a survey done in March of 2021, 68.5 percent of participants said that being hacked was their number one fear followed by power outages. One interesting finding was that the percentage showing this concern increased with each subsequent generation, with baby boomers at 77.7 percent to Generation Z at 81.8 percent.
Illegal Monitoring
Another concern many have is being monitored through their smart security systems and cameras.
Owners of security systems and cameras may think that they are being illegally monitored, but the reality is that these systems are well protected via encrypted passwords and commercial-grade firewalls. Additionally, the video captured by security systems is held on private encrypted servers with no public access.
Lack of Privacy
Due to the connectedness of the tech tools offered in smart homes, many of your preferences are remembered by these various gadgets. For example, your smart sprinkler system might determine your weekly watering schedule and complete the task without you needing to start the process.
While this may seem a bit invasive, these systems only do what you allow them to. There are many options and means by which to limit the data these systems obtain from your daily activities. Additionally, these automated processes are actually meant to improve usage and make things easier for you.
The Truth About Smart Homes
While these are reasonable concerns, there are many ways to ensure the safety you want and need. It’s important to remember that as a smart homeowner and smart appliance user, you truly have control over these tools.
By investing in dependable cybersecurity software, you’ll be creating an optimal safety net for your personal information and activity history. Your home’s Wi-Fi router is a foundational element for your smart home, and so building a secure home starts with a good understanding of protecting your router.
Here are a few ways you can ensure that your smart home is more secure:
- Name your router
- Use a strong encryption method for Wi-Fi
- Create a guest network
- Use strong and unique passwords
- Keep your software up to date
Another way you can better protect your smart home is by doing your research. Whether it’s deciding on the kind of smart lighting you want or the best smart refrigerator brand, the more you know, the better choices you’ll be able to make.
At the end of the day, by learning as much as you can about your smart home and devices, you will gain the confidence you need to make the most informed decisions.
Smart Home Builders in South Texas
If you need any guidance, information, or help on creating your smart home design and construction, you can always give Smart Home Construction a call or visit. Your Harlingen smart home builders are here for you.
