Having a security system at home isn’t a complete guarantee that your property will stay safe. Aside from burglars, there are also hackers that can compromise your home’s safety. Although these hackers may not be able to do serious physical harm, they can compromise your finances, personal data and even your identity.
If these things make you feel uncomfortable, then be sure to read this article until the end.
Types Of Security System Hackers
“Hacker” is a term that can encompass a number of meanings. In general, it mostly relates to people breaking computer networks either to get information or steal sensitive data. There are several types of hackers and here are some of them.
Phreaker
It’s a type of hacker whose main objective is to connect and make phone calls without paying for the service. It’s a person who specialises in attacking telephone systems.
Script Kiddie
This type of hacker isn’t proficient yet when it comes to breaking into people’s computer. Most of the time, script kiddies download and rely heavily on hacking tools to get the job done.
Hacktivist
Hacktivists are politically motivated. They are skilled and armed to hack for political reasons, like exposing a political matter to the public.
Black Hat
A black hat hacker, or simply known as cracker, is a more serious type of hacker. Unlike the script kiddie, this one has an in-depth knowledge of computer networking, operating systems, programming and network protocols.
Black hat hackers have good knowledge on a wide array of hacking tools and they mostly work with unethical and malicious reasons. A lot of them steal data from big companies and money from credit cards.
White Hat
White hat hackers are on the other end of hacking. While black hat hackers steal data and money, white hat hackers work to protect businesses and individuals from those malicious attacks.
They have good knowledge of operating systems, network protocols, system administration and computer network. They are extremely familiar with most hacking tools and use that knowledge to make sure no hacker can get access to their clients’ computers. For these reasons, they are often called Ethical Hackers.
Grey Hat
Grey hat hackers work like a black hat hacker in penetrating the network of their clients. They expose the vulnerability they find but they will only fix the issues if they get paid right.
Is Your Home Security System Vulnerable To Hacking?
Even top security systems can easily be compromised. So, if you’re wondering if your home security system is prone to hacking, the answer is maybe.
A lot of alarms can easily be compromised, especially those that are outdated and those systems that lack authentication and encryption. These alarms can easily be suppressed or issue several false alarms. And a person only needs to be 10 feet away from your home to be able to disarm your system.
When a system lacks strong encryption, your data can easily be intercepted. Once hackers get access to your data, they can cause confusion by triggering false alarms or copy your data. They can know where exactly you are in your home and the people that come in and leave. They can even determine which doors or windows are open and where your sensors are. Worst, they can watch you from your own cameras.
How To Improve Your Home Security System
To ensure your home is safe from most types of threats, it’s a good idea to invest in the latest systems or devices. Older systems are particularly vulnerable to attacks as criminals and hackers may have already found their weaknesses.
If you can’t afford to purchase a new system, make sure to keep your existing system up to date. Virus writers and hackers are constantly working on creating new threats and ways to attack their victims. When you update your system, you are essentially making your system less vulnerable to those individuals and their attacks.
Another thing to consider before making a purchase is how a system will send its signals. If it relies on landlines, skip it. Landlines mean wires and these lines can easily get cut and disabled. Systems that work with landlines tend to be limited to as they can’t really play well with newer and smarter devices.
Cellular and broadband connections are better since they are faster and more reliable. They don’t have lines that can compromise your security, too.
As soon as you get your hands on your new security system or devices, change their default passwords right away. Use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols to make sure that your passwords are hard to crack. Refrain from using your personal data as your password as they can easily be guessed. Routinely change them after a couple of months and avoid sharing them with anyone.
Check your system if there are any malfunctioning parts. Take a good look at your sensors and see if they are working as they should. Dust, for example, can accumulate over time and decrease their sensitivity. Apart from that, you should also check their batteries. Without enough battery life, your sensors can easily miss any intruders.
If you are unsure about your system’s ability to withstand hacking or if you fear that your system has already been breached, talk to your provider. The company can do a test to find out if your security has really been compromised. If so, they can work out a solution to prevent damage and to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
When it comes to your home safety, it’s not enough that you have a security system installed. To make sure your data, identity and home are safe, you should also play the part of a responsible homeowner. Never miss a security update and make sure no one else knows the password to your security system and devices. Arm and disarm your system as necessary and use your alarm system all the time. Regrets always come in the end so always be one step ahead of burglars and hackers.
--
Rose Cabrera is a full time content writer for TopSecurityReview.com. Her best works include writing really in-depth reviews of home security systems and sharing the most effective tips and tricks in protecting homes.