As a caregiver, you might be taking advantage of several “smart” technologies to help either with your home or the home of you loved one. These devices can include locks, lights, smoke alarms, thermostats, and security cameras. But with any electronic device, especially ones connected to the Internet, there
are trouble spots you need to avoid.
Centers Choice Home Care has a look at four challenges and security risks of smart home devices.
1. Lack of Compatibility
If you’re going to invest in smart home technology, make sure to pick from one company and stick with it. Products from Amazon (Alexa), Google, Apple, or Bose will not “talk” to each other, so if you’re looking for a connected home setup, be sure to stick with one brand.
2. Hacking Concerns
Information from video cameras and other smart devices are often uploaded to a cloud-based server, which is not encrypted and vulnerable to hacking. To combat this, look for devices that have internal storage rather than cloud-based and ones that come with extra encryption.
3. Buy Lots of Batteries
Batteries are expected to last only around a few weeks in wireless smart-home tech devices, including ones in security cameras, motion sensors, locks, lamps, speakers, and thermostats. You won’t want to have interrupted service from these devices, so be sure to keep plenty of batteries on hand.
4. Granting Blanket Permissions
If you’re familiar with software and other pieces of technology like your smartphone, you know all about virtually signing and accepting permissions and terms of use agreements. These smart home devices will have lots of access to your home, so you will want to know what permission you’re giving them.
To learn more about Centers Choice Home Care and all the services they offer, visit CentersChoice.com.
