Recently, there have been at least four notable cases of hacking into do-it-yourself security systems. You may be left wondering if your business’s security system is vulnerable to these same attacks.
The last thing you want from your security system is to leave you feeling insecure. While you can’t be failsafe in protecting your business security system, these hacks are preventable if you take the necessary steps. Here are several measures you can take to make sure your security system is keeping your business secure.
SECURE YOUR NETWORK
Most modern security systems are reliant on your business network and WiFi. Make sure your wireless network is password protected and not open for others to access. Use a private network and a hidden SSID (service set identifier) whenever possible.
Next, ensure your router’s security by updating its login credentials and firmware at least once a month. You can turn off unneeded router features, notably Remote Administration and Universal Plug and Play (UPnP), and use effective encryption such as WPA3 or WPA2.
USE STRONG PASSWORDS AND CHANGE THEM REGULARLY
Hackers use usernames and passwords from other data breaches to gain access to accounts. In recent years, hackers have made login credentials for over 8.2 billion online accounts available to the internet.
- Make sure that your usernames and passwords you use for your security system and wireless network are unique. Avoid reusing old passwords because you may not know if they have been compromised in a previous data breach.
- Do not use the same username or password that is associated with other logins or accounts online. If you use the same username and password on all of your accounts, it only takes one breach of security to put your business security system at risk. This means not duplicating account names from emails, online shopping accounts, or any online user information.
- Create a strong password using a combination of letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and symbols. Avoid using any personally identifiable information in passwords such as name and birthday, hackers can readily access this information making it easier for them to get into your account.
- Finally, it’s best practice to change your passwords regularly. Doing so makes it harder for attackers to get into your system if your data has been breached. If you have a hard time remembering all of your passwords, do not write them down. Instead, choose to use a password management application or program that will be able to keep your passwords secure.
- Another way to keep your system secure is to provide a separate wifi for your guests. Providing visitors to your business with direct access to your main wifi makes it easy for someone to hack into your system. Using a separate guest wifi keeps you protected while still providing guests with a wifi option they can use while visiting your business.
APPLY TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
Two-Factor Authentication adds another layer of security by prompting you to enter a code you receive as a text message or email on top of your usual login credentials. This way, even if someone manages to get your credentials, it will be more difficult for them to log in to your account.
SET UP UNIQUE LOG-INS FOR ANYONE USING YOUR SYSTEM
Using one login for all of the users of your security system creates a larger security risk. Make sure every user in your business has a unique username and password for all users to reduce this vulnerability.
By having each user or employee have their own login information, it also makes it easier to update your security if there is a breach. If a user says that their login information has been compromised, you only have to update their information rather than changing it for every user.
TURN ON AND CHECK NOTIFICATIONS OFTEN
At Hawk Security, we team up with the Alarm.com app to help keep your business safe. As part of that app, you can turn on system alert notifications that will notify you when someone has unsuccessfully tried to log in to your account.
By turning this option on, you get instant notifications about the status of your security and if there are any potential breaches of security. You can stop a hacker from breaking into your business’ network while they are trying to break in.
If you received one of these notifications, change your password immediately.
UPDATE YOUR SECURITY CAMERAS
Ensure your cameras’ safety by regularly updating the software, firmware, and camera model. If you have any complications with this, one of our technicians will be happy to troubleshoot the problem with you.
DO NOT VISIT INSECURE WEBSITES
Sites with too many ads and pop-ups are a breeding ground for hackers to pounce and invade your security network. Enable ad blockers or highly-rated anti-virus/anti-malware programs to limit these instances.
When visiting websites, also ensure that you are visiting them under the HTTPS protocol instead of HTTP. The difference is that HTTPS protocols have an extra layer of security called an SSL (secure sockets layer) certificate, which can protect private information from hackers. It prevents the information that you are broadcasting to and from a website to be easily viewed by anyone snooping on your network.
HOW DOES ACS SECURITY MAKE SURE MY SYSTEM IS SAFE?
It’s our job to secure what matters most. Our technology, powered by Alarm.com, is regularly tested by third-party security professionals to ensure the highest levels of protection.
We take measures to protect your business security system in the following ways:
- Requiring strong passwords that are at least seven characters including one letter and one number, and cannot be the same as a previous password.
- Encouraging users to opt into Alarm.com’s Two-Factor Authentication and System Alert Notifications.
- Offering unique logins for accounts with multiple users.
- Locking your account after nine unsuccessful login attempts. Your account cannot be unlocked until the account owner calls My Alarm Center to reset the password.
- Encrypting video streams to ensure no one can gain access to your video through your WiFi network, which can only happen if they breach your Alarm.com account.
Reach out to us today to learn how we can provide the peace of mind your business needs.