Cybersecurity principles

Following these cybersecurity principles may help to reduce the risk of cyber threats to the network where your system is installed.

Strong and Unique Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for your mobile app account and each connected device. Avoid using common or easily guessable passwords. Consider using a password manager to securely store your passwords.
Regularly Update Software: Keep your mobile app, smartphone operating system, and smart home device firmware up to date. Updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities and protect against potential threats.
Secure Network: Ensure that your home Wi-Fi network is secured with a strong password and encryption (WPA2 or higher). Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks when interacting with your smart home app as they may be insecure and expose your data.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA if your smart home app supports it. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a unique code sent to your mobile device, when logging in.
Only Download Official Apps: Use official app stores (such as Google Play Store or Apple App Store) to download the mobile app for your smart home solution. Avoid downloading apps from unofficial sources, as they may contain malicious software.
Be Cautious with Permissions: Review the permissions requested by the app during installation. Grant only the necessary permissions required for the app to function properly. Be cautious about granting unnecessary access to your device's location, camera, or microphone.
Regularly Review Connected Devices: Periodically review the list of connected devices in your smart home app. Remove any devices that are no longer in use or unfamiliar to you, as they may pose a security risk.
Regularly Monitor Activity: Keep an eye on the activity logs or notifications provided by the smart home app. Look for any suspicious or unauthorized access attempts, and report them to the app provider immediately.
Secure Physical Access: Ensure that your smartphone and other devices used to control your smart home are protected with a lock screen or biometric authentication. This helps prevent unauthorized access in case of loss or theft.
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity best practices and potential threats related to smart home devices. Regularly update your knowledge to make informed decisions and protect your smart home ecosystem.

Decommissioning a device

If you remove a device from your system to gift, resell, or otherwise dispose of, first remove any personally identifiable information from the device by performing a factory reset. This is especially important when decommissioning a system gateway. Refer to the particular device instructions for information on how to perform a factory reset.