Protecting Your Information: Garage
Older garage door openers use a “fixed code,” which makes it incredibly easy for hackers to gain access to your garage. Newer models may use rolling codes and are harder to hack, but it is still possible. Even “smart” garage door openers can be hacked through your Wi-Fi network if it has weak security attributes. As with all the devices discussed on this site, if you have a smart garage door opener, you can reduce your risk by creating a strong, unique password and maintaining current patches and updates on your garage door opener device and your Wi-Fi.
Auto manufacturers are incorporating more and more IoT devices into their vehicles. The convenience of these internal devices cannot be denied, but they extend IoT risks to your car. Since many of us use cell phone apps, for example, connecting Bluetooth to our cars’ speakers to make hands-free phone calls while driving, we expose our cars to all the risks of our cell phone apps. Malicious actors can use apps to introduce malware into your car’s computer system, causing malfunctions and potentially turning your car into a very expensive lawn ornament. To protect your car’s computer, perform the following actions:
- Choose a car with security in mind – ask the dealer or manufacturer questions about the car’s features and who can access them and about what security measures the manufacturer has in place to protect them
- Use a VPN and security software specifically designed to protect your car’s computer
- Turn off your smart devices when you’re not using them
- Update your car’s firmware - sign up for your manufacturer’s update reminders and software patches. Over-the-air (OTA) updates are a modern way of delivering updates without connecting a device to your vehicle. It offers greater convenience and leaves users with no excuse for not updating their car’s firmware.
