How Can You Enhance Security for Your Smart Home Network?

December 27, 2024

In recent times, there has been a growing concern among consumers and experts alike about the security and reliability of network devices in smart homes, highlighted notably by the potential ban of TP-Link products in the U.S. As the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in homes continues to increase, so too do the associated risks, ranging from cyberattacks to vulnerabilities that could expose personal data. Given these challenges, it is imperative to take proactive measures to secure home networks. This article discusses the various risks associated with IoT devices, the importance of network segmentation, and how to enhance the security of a smart home network.

The Unseen Risks

Smart devices bring unprecedented convenience to households but may also pose significant security risks. IoT devices, in particular, are vulnerable to a variety of threats that vendors may not have prepared for. In many cases, these devices completely lack mechanisms for regular updates. Additionally, when a smart device reaches its end-of-life status, official support is inevitably dropped, leaving it vulnerable to attacks.

A compromised IoT device can be silently hijacked and become part of a botnet or used to monitor your living habits. Moreover, such devices can compromise other connected devices like computers, notebooks, tablets, and Network Attached Storage (NAS) on the same home network. This type of threat, known as a lateral movement attack, often starts from a vulnerable NAS or PC and then spreads to IoT devices through an insecure network. Attackers may exploit outdated hardware and software vulnerabilities to infiltrate these devices, amplifying the risk to your overall digital ecosystem.

Even devices that appear innocuous, such as smart light bulbs or connected kitchen appliances, can serve as entry points for cybercriminals. Once inside the network, these malicious actors can gather sensitive information, manipulate device functions, or even launch attacks targeting other networks. The complexity and variability of IoT devices further complicate security efforts, as each device may have unique vulnerabilities and different levels of protection.

Introducing Network Segmentation

A proactive approach to home network security is crucial, and one of the most effective strategies is network segmentation. This process involves creating separate networks, or virtual local area networks (VLANs), for different types of devices. For the average home user, this usually means creating a primary home network and a dedicated IoT network. For added security, some individuals may also consider creating guest networks.

Network segmentation can significantly enhance the security of a home network by isolating potentially vulnerable devices. Synology Routers, for example, offer a straightforward way to create these VLANs. By separating devices into distinct networks, you reduce the risk of a compromised IoT device affecting other critical systems like personal computers and home security networks. Essentially, even if an attacker breaches an IoT network, they need to overcome additional barriers to reach more critical devices.

Setting up network segmentation involves configuring your router to recognize and manage separate VLANs. This can be achieved through the router’s management interface where users can specify which devices belong to each network. In more advanced setups, firewall rules can be applied to control the traffic flow between VLANs, adding an extra layer of security. Properly configured VLANs help contain security breaches, making it difficult for attackers to move laterally across the network.

Home Network

The primary network, established by default, is where most devices reside. This includes laptops, tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, smart home hubs, and smart speakers. Although smart TVs, smart speakers, and smart home hubs are technically IoT devices, they usually receive consistent security updates and can be safely left on the primary network. Alternatively, these devices can be moved to the IoT network and made reachable from specific devices on the main network.

For users who prefer to keep smart home hubs on the primary network, it’s advisable to regularly check for security updates and ensure that these devices are protected by strong, unique passwords. Furthermore, leveraging multi-factor authentication (MFA) can add another layer of security. This means that accessing these devices requires not only the password but also a secondary form of verification. The primary network should be reserved for essential and high-security devices that you use frequently and that store sensitive information.

Additionally, maintaining a well-organized inventory of all devices connected to the primary network is crucial. This can help quickly identify any unauthorized devices that might have gained access, enabling swift remedial actions. Regularly updating firmware and software on all devices is equally important to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

Safe Access and Threat Prevention

Synology’s SRM (Synology Router Manager) package, Safe Access, is designed for web filtering and integrates Google Safe Browsing and other external databases to identify and block domains that contain unwanted content such as malware, social engineering threats, harmful applications, and phishing attempts. Safe Access also features robust parental controls at no additional cost, offering advanced features such as internet use time limits, content filters, internet use monitoring, and custom policies for each device.

Another key security feature in SRM is the Threat Prevention package. This tool inspects incoming and outgoing internet traffic and blocks any packets identified as malicious. By constantly monitoring network traffic for signs of suspicious activity, Threat Prevention helps preemptively identify and neutralize potential threats before they can cause significant damage. This proactive approach ensures that your network remains secure from emerging threats and attacks.

Safe Access and Threat Prevention work in tandem to provide a comprehensive security solution tailored to your smart home network. Safe Access helps enforce browsing safety and user controls, while Threat Prevention focuses on identifying and mitigating network-level threats. This layered security approach not only enhances your network’s overall resilience but also ensures that all connected devices remain protected.

IoT Network

IoT devices, including items such as refrigerators, coffee machines, dehumidifiers, and garage door openers, represent a growing market with global spending expected to reach $1 trillion by 2026. While these devices offer substantial convenience, they also pose potential security risks. Isolating IoT devices onto their own network minimizes the risk of these devices compromising more critical systems like your primary home network.

With SRM, users can isolate IoT devices onto their own network or set firewall rules to allow one-way communication between networks. For example, firewall rules can be configured to allow connections initiated from a NAS to communicate with IP cameras, but not vice versa. This prevents a risky IoT device from potentially infecting the NAS. The objective is to create an environment where IoT devices are adequately contained and managed without posing risks to other network components.

By applying strict access controls and enabling only the necessary network traffic, you can further secure your IoT network. Enforcing strong, unique passwords for each IoT device and regularly updating their firmware can help reduce vulnerabilities. Maintaining a detailed log of all devices on the IoT network helps monitor any unusual activities that may indicate a security breach.

Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)

The technology behind SRM’s Threat Prevention, known as Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), is commonly used in many enterprises’ security defenses. This feature is available on all Synology Routers and can be utilized to protect both home and IoT networks. IPS alerts users if any devices are compromised, enabling them to take quick action. This immediate response capability is critical in minimizing the impact of security incidents.

By constantly monitoring network traffic for signs of suspicious activity, IPS ensures that any attempted intrusions are promptly identified and blocked. The system uses a combination of signature-based and anomaly-based detection methods to accurately recognize and mitigate threats. This technology is invaluable in maintaining the integrity of both the home and IoT networks, ensuring that any potential breaches are swiftly addressed.

To establish an IoT network using VLAN functionality, Synology provides a VLAN deployment quick start guide for users. This guide simplifies the process of configuring and managing VLANs, making it accessible even for users with limited technical expertise. Following the step-by-step instructions, users can effectively segment their network and enhance overall security with minimal effort.

Guest Network

Creating a guest network, though it may seem overly cautious, is an essential step to protecting your primary home network. Guests’ smartphones, for example, might be infected with malware that could spread to other devices on your home network. By segregating guest devices onto a separate network, you prevent potentially compromised devices from interacting with your primary devices, thereby enhancing overall network security.

To avoid any negative connotations associated with a guest network, it is advisable to use a less conspicuous SSID name and avoid the term “guest.” Creating a guest network with Synology Routers requires just a few clicks. Advanced features include password rotation, which automatically generates new guest network passwords at regular intervals, and a guest network portal that displays a customizable landing page before users can access the network.

This portal can serve as an additional security measure by requiring guests to acknowledge and agree to the network’s terms of use before gaining access. Furthermore, limiting the bandwidth available to guest networks helps ensure that priority is given to the primary network’s devices, maintaining optimal performance. Regularly updating the guest network’s settings and passwords adds another layer of security, ensuring that unauthorized users cannot exploit old credentials.

Synology Routers’ Comprehensive Security

In recent years, there has been an increasing concern among consumers and experts about the security and reliability of network devices in smart homes, particularly highlighted by the potential ban of TP-Link products in the United States. As the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in homes continues to grow, the risks associated with them also rise, including cyberattacks and vulnerabilities that could compromise personal data.

Given these challenges, it is crucial to take proactive steps to secure home networks. This article explores the various risks linked to IoT devices, such as unauthorized access and data breaches. It emphasizes the importance of network segmentation, a strategy that involves dividing a network into multiple segments or sub-networks to improve security. By isolating sensitive devices from less secure ones, homeowners can reduce the risk of cyber threats spreading throughout the entire network.

Additionally, the article provides practical tips on enhancing the security of a smart home network. These suggestions include regularly updating firmware, using strong and unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and employing advanced security protocols like WPA3 for Wi-Fi networks. By implementing these measures, users can better protect their smart home devices and safeguard their personal information from potential threats.

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