What You Need to Know About Smart Homes and Privacy

How Do Smart Homes Work? 

In recent years, tech companies have been able to produce many types of low-cost sensors. They can detect movement, moisture, temperature, and virtually any other biophysical changes in the immediate home environment. These inexpensive sensors are connected to household Wi-Fi networks and smart home hubs. This allows homeowners to "control" several elements of their home from a smartphone connected to a cloud-based service.

One leading industry expert says that "there are already 3.5 billion such sensors, and some experts expect the number to increase to trillions within the next decade." The idea that these devices and sensors allow for a more significant "control," however, might be overshadowed by some of the potential privacy and confidentiality concerns that come with our homes' automation.

Can Smart Home Devices Be Hacked?

A recent study by computer scientists at The College of William & Mary came to disturbing conclusions. It found that even "benign" smart home devices like a smart light bulb might be able to provide entry points for hackers. This is especially true if the devices are connected to a central app or smart home hub. Hackers continuously look for ways to extract confidential information about people they are targeting, and smart home devices provide a potential entry point.

Do Smart Homes Spy On You?

Another risk of smart home devices is accumulating personal data that these devices collect and store on the cloud. There is an enormous amount of personal information floating around the internet. Artificial intelligence and machine learning advancement allow companies to access, revise, and extract information about many aspects of that personal information. 

What Is the Best Protection When Using a Smart Device?

Smart home technology might undoubtedly be useful in some instances. However, privacy, confidentiality, and security concerns are real and need to be considered. For starters, homeowners should avoid the temptation to automate everything in their homes. Avoiding the consumer impulse to purchase every new smart gadget is good for your economy and your privacy. A smart home sound system that is voice-activated, for example, provides essentially the same "service" as getting off the couch and pushing play on your computer screen.

Home automation devices do not necessarily need to be connected to a home Wi-Fi system. For example, a programmable thermostat not connected to a home Wi-Fi system can allow homeowners to reduce their overall heating and cooling loads without sacrificing their privacy. This device is controlled by the home's inhabitant and increases the heating and cooling schedule's autonomy over time. Using home automated devices that do not depend on Wi-Fi signals or smart home hubs is undoubtedly less intrusive to your privacy. However, it should be noted that some features, such as automatic detection of an empty house, won't be functional if the user has the app deactivated. To achieve the best possible energy reductions, the user might need to adjust the thermostat a little more often manually.

Do We Need Smart Home Technology?

On a philosophical level, homeowners should be willing to question the "benefits" of technological advancements. Our society is completely captivated and entranced by technology. Undoubtedly, some technologies have certainly improved our lives and comfort levels. In smart homes, particular gadgets like smart thermostats can drastically reduce our homes' carbon footprint and energy demands. However, our propensity to blindly accept any new technological innovation that hits the market should certainly be open to criticism.

Amish people have a fascinating way of dealing with technology. Every year or two, the community comes together to debate which outside technologies they will admit into their communities and lifestyles. This community discussion looks honestly at the benefits that technologies might bring to the community. But it also considers what might be lost through the adoption of a specific technology.

For example, some Amish communities prohibit tractors' use (an important farming technology) because they understand that horse-powered farming methods are essential to their community. The reliance on horses creates numerous jobs for young men, reduces the erosion and compaction of their soils, and stimulates good care for the land.

Most of us will probably never be willing to go back to the horse and buggy, characterizing the Amish culture and communities. However, we should learn from their determinedness to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of new technology.