Keeping Your Devices - and Yourself - Secure

 

All devices that connect to the internet hold inherent security risk.

It’s up to manufacturers like us to ensure that we are doing everything we reasonably can to protect you. With that in mind, here is an update of what we are doing to protect our devices, and what you can do, to protect yourself from a possible hack.

Secure your connected home - the basics

A network is only as secure as its weakest link. Don’t let your home’s network, or you, be that link. There are two things to think about here: i) your network and ii) your words!

Network Technology

Secure the wireless network 
The old Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) protocol is still widely used, but not the best. Better to use the Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2) protocol and a strong, complex password.

Disable guest network access entirely
And be strict about who — or what — can get on the network. Don’t be handing out your credentials to the next door neighbour’s daughter’s best mate’s aunty Carol’s brother.

 

Usernames and Passwords

Offputting naming
Don't call your WiFi network "[Your Name] House." Instead, call it something offputting or random, such as "FBI Surveillance Van” or “quinc3paste”.

Be a password guru
Never use factory-set administrator passwords. Change each admin password to something suitably strong and complex, and regularly change them. When possible, usernames should be also changed to make it even harder for attackers to brute-force their way in. (Set a recurring reminder in your phone...do it now!)

 

What we’re doing at LIFX to secure our devices

Encryption in Firmware & Software  
As a part of our ongoing commitment to security, we have made improvements to data encryption across devices and will continue to enhance all our devices through regular firmware and software updates. We’d love to go into detail on what those details are but, for obvious reasons, that would not be good practice for the security of your products.

Make sure you always keep firmware and software up to date to take advantage of all security updates.

Working with security experts

We are also working with security consultants to ensure we are always vigilant and aware of the key security issues in smart home.