Christmas is all about tradition, but smart technology makes it easier than ever to bring the magic to life. From voice-activated Christmas lights to app-controlled decorations, you can enjoy the Christmas spirit with a screen tap or voice command.
But with that convenience, there’s a need for extra security. That’s why using the best VPN for PC while shopping and protecting your smart devices from cyberattacks is so important.
Let’s take a look at how to create a smart, festive, and secure home for you and your family this Christmas.
- Smart holiday decor
Give your old holiday decorations an upgrade with technology. Smart plugs and voice assistants can turn any decoration you like into an interactive wonder. You can set Christmas tree lights to light automatically at sunset, or have window candles glow as you arrive home.
Even better, a lot of brands offer LED light strings that let you customize colour, pattern, and brightness with your phone. Others will even sync with music, creating a coordinated light show for your favourite holiday playlist.
Tip: When connecting new devices, check the manufacturer’s app permissions and change default passwords immediately. An unchanged password can give hackers a way into your home network.
- Celebrate automatically
The holidays are always a busy time, but automations can make things easier. For example, think motion sensors or smart hubs that can trigger decorations and background music when someone enters a room. You can also set schedules for outdoor lights to turn off automatically, saving energy while still preserving the Christmas spirit.
If you want to go even further, you can program routines. For example, saying “Alexa, it’s Christmas time” could start a routine. You could simultaneously turn on fireplace lights, start the holiday playlist, and activate a shimmering wreath on the front door. This can make your Christmas parties go flawlessly. Plus, it’s just as easy to turn everything off once you’re done.
Tip: Connect all your smart devices to a secure Wi-Fi network. Never share your main home network password with guests. Use a guest network instead.
- Secure smart devices
Smart devices make life easy, but they also create another entry point into your network for hackers. Every new device you install brings new risks.
Luckily, there is a lot you can do to stay safe.
- Update firmware on your devices to patch vulnerabilities.
- Use strong and unique passwords for every device or platform.
- Disable remote access unless you really need it.
- Create a guest network for smart devices with a different password. That way, they’re isolated from the network that carries your personal data.
A VPN for PC can keep your computer traffic separate from your smart devices. Even if your smart device network gets compromised, your main network won’t.
- Safety while traveling
If you’ll be traveling for the holidays, a smart home system can keep watch while you’re gone. Cameras, motion detectors, and lighting controls can all help make your home a less attractive target for criminals.
Here’s how:
- Program interior lights to turn on and off at random times. This will make it look as if your home is occupied while you are away.
- Monitor live video feeds from your smartphone.
- Set up alerts so that you will know right away if a sensor detects an expected movement.
- Protect these devices with strong passwords and secure network settings.
- Safer online shopping
We’ve all been tempted by those holiday deals, but online shopping comes with risks. Phishing emails, fake online stores, and unsecured public Wi-Fi can all compromise your personal data and payment details.
- Verify the retailer’s website. Look for credible contact information and https in the URL to show that the site is secure.
- Check reviews for any retailers you don’t know.
- Avoid clicking suspicious discount links in emails and social media posts.
- Use secure payment methods like credit cards or digital wallets.
- Never shop over public Wi-Fi without using a VPN. A VPN protects your online traffic and prevents hackers from getting your sensitive information.
Protect your smart home for the holidays
Technology has changed the way we celebrate Christmas, and in many ways, for the better. Smart technology can help set the holiday mood, protect your home, and buy gifts for your loved ones.
But every smart device you add to your home can give hackers another way in. Practice these tips to perfect your setup and avoid a nightmare Christmas. With a few simple tips, you can use technology to give you the best holiday season ever.