With smart home technology coming down the pipeline fast, it's easy to accept smart home technology as a good thing. However, while smart home technology makes our lives and the communities we live in better, it is important to understand the pros and cons of smart home technology.
- The Pros: Implementing smart home technology makes it easy for rental properties to manage and monitor units, be it occupied or unoccupied. This technology can monitor water leaks, control room temperature, and remotely lock and unlock doors. It also provides an added convenience for renters and attracts potential renters. Smart home technology allows for management to require less staff to maintain the community, such as showing available units off-hours.
- The Cons: When it comes to smart home technology, security is a must because the amount of data being sent over the Internet includes information on where you live, how you live, when you are home or when you are away. While the industry wants to implement smart home technology quickly and inexpensively, consumers must ensure security is enabled. Hacking into an e-lock is not as evident as breaking a window or traditional lock.
In the apartment space, it is important to understand the pros and cons of smart home technology because many renters don't have a choice whether to rent or not.
According to the 2017 Internet Security Threat Report, at peak activity times, the average smart device was attacked once every two minutes.
Starting with your WiFi router, the operational foundation for all your connected devices, build a secure smart home by:
- Changing the name of the WiFi router from the manufactured name.
- Set-up a guest network for friends and family to log into when visiting, so their devices stay separate from your devices.
- Change default usernames and passwords that come with any smart devices you install in your home.
- For passwords, ensure they are strong and unique for both the WiFi network and devices.
- Be sure to review the fine print when it comes to default privacy and security settings, which will also allow you to deactivate any features you may not need or want to use.
- Keep your software up to date and review any devices that may need to be replaced over time - often times newer devices have stronger security protocol.
- If your smart devices and apps provide a two-step authentication, use it.
- Having one interface to consolidate and access your various smart apps, like our Converged Control software.
Understanding the pros and cons and the steps to take to address these issues will allow you to benefit from the convenience of smart home technology.
To learn more on how to ensure your smart home technology is secure, contact us today. 
