Smart home gadgets have become increasingly popular, offering convenience, security, and energy efficiency. Here are some notable categories and devices:
- Outdoor Security Cameras: Keep an eye on your home from your phone with cameras like the TP-Link Tapo C120. It captures motion-triggered video and sends intelligent alerts1. Their are also alternative providers like Ring and Eufy.
- Video Doorbells: These let you see and speak with visitors at your door. The Ezviz DB1C Wi-Fi model offers HD video, local/cloud storage, and voice control compatibility1.
- Smart Locks: Enhance security and convenience. The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro Wi-Fi allows voice, fingerprint, keypad, app, and traditional key access1. Most traditional lock companies also have smart locks. Kwikset and Schlage are also good choices. There are two categories I’d smart locks; primary locks with a curved bolt and dead bolt versions with a flat bolt. Flat bolt locks are more secure and should be used on outer doors.
- Smart Speakers: Devices like Amazon Echo and Sonos Era 100 offer voice control and can play music, answer questions, and control other smart devices2.
- Smart Lights: Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit provides customizable lighting options for different moods and scenarios2.
- Smart Plugs: Easily turn regular devices into smart ones. TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini is a popular choice2.
- Smart Thermostats: Brands like Nest and Ecobee help optimize energy usage and maintain comfortable temperatures2. My personal favorite provider is Sensi. They are a good value, don’t collect much personal data and easy to use.
- Robot Vacuums: iRobot Roomba models keep your floors clean with minimal effort2.
- Smart Appliances: From ovens to refrigerators, these appliances can be controlled remotely for convenience2.
- Smart Garage Door Openers: Monitor and control your garage door from your phone
Security is crucial when it comes to IoT devices. Let’s explore some key considerations:
IOT Security
- Authentication and Authorization:
- Ensure strong authentication mechanisms for device access. Use unique credentials and avoid default passwords.
- Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to restrict permissions based on user roles.
- Encryption:
- Encrypt data in transit (using protocols like TLS/SSL) and at rest (stored on the device or cloud).
- Use strong encryption algorithms to protect sensitive information.
- Firmware Updates:
- Regularly update device firmware to patch security vulnerabilities.
- Consider over-the-air (OTA) updates for seamless maintenance.
- Network Segmentation:
- Isolate IoT devices from critical networks using VLANs or separate subnets.
- Limit communication between devices to necessary services.
- Physical Security:
- Secure physical access to devices. Unauthorized physical access can compromise security.
- Tamper-evident seals and secure enclosures help prevent unauthorized modifications.
- Secure Boot:
- Ensure devices boot only with trusted firmware. Use secure boot mechanisms.
- Protect against unauthorized firmware modifications.
- Privacy and Data Collection:
- Be transparent about data collection. Obtain user consent.
- Minimize data storage and retention. Only collect essential data.
- API Security:
- Secure APIs used by IoT devices. Implement proper authentication and authorization.
- Validate input to prevent injection attacks.
- Threat Modeling:
- Identify potential threats and attack vectors specific to your IoT deployment.
- Conduct risk assessments and prioritize security measures.
- Vendor Security Practices:
- Choose reputable vendors with a strong security track record.
- Evaluate their security practices, including vulnerability management.
Remember that IoT security is an ongoing process. Regular audits, monitoring, and proactive measures are essential to safeguard your connected devices.
KASA, a product line of TP-Link (who has been in the network business for a long time), features a number of smart lighting products. They are all wifi enabled, many are and can be controlled from the cloud or over your local LAN. Programmers – there is even a python routine to control them.
Recently I finally got around to adding a door to my workroom. So the wife can watch TV at the same time I run my big (Uff! Uff!) power tools. Unfortunately, though I thoroughly thought through which way the door would open quite a number of times, I completely missed considering where the light switch was going to be located. Behind the door (the way it opens). Oops! No problem I thought, I’ll add a motion sensor switch! So I bought a package of 2 (luckily!). Oh, but I forgot that the workroom light is a 3-way light with a second switch by the roll-up door. Oops again! (Yes, there is a pattern here…)
“Not for 3-way circuits” says the KS200M motion switch quick-start. But a little searching on the internet and I found a solution. As the video poster commented, an “outside the box” solution. Turns out, two motion detector switches in parallel work even better(in most cases) than a single one. When either one is on, the light is on; so an extended sensing area for keeping it on with continued motion. A plus. However, both have to be off for the light to be off. I set them both to go off after 10 minutes, so auto-off works fine. And I made a group out of them in the app. So it turns both on and off together. But if they’re both on, you can’t turn off the light manually from one switch. Still satisfies my needs, though.
My other KASA application is my outside lighting. The electrician opted to put my outside lights on 4 separate circuits and 6 different switches. If I wanted all of the outside lights on, I’d have to run all over the house. No problem with KASA devices. I can turn on all my outside lights from my phone as I start up the driveway.