7 Steps To Secure Your Smart Home Before Holiday Travel

The holidays are coming, and that means it’s time for road trips, family reunions, and getaways. But before you set off to enjoy that holiday feast or relax at a beach resort, there’s something important you need to do: secure your smart home.

When you’re away, your smart gadgets—locks, cameras, lights, and thermostats—are still working. That’s great for convenience, but it also means they could be vulnerable if you don’t take steps to protect them. And let’s face it: no one wants to be sipping on rum-infused eggnog with the in-laws while worrying about cyber-Grinches or real-life burglars back home.

Don’t stress! We’ve got your back with home tech made simple tips to secure your smart home before you hit the road for holiday travel. Grab your suitcase and checklist, and let’s make sure your house is safe while you’re away.

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Extra Layer, Extra Safe

For devices or accounts that support it, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) is a no-brainer. It requires a second step to verify it’s really you logging in—usually requesting a code from an app on your phone, or sending a code to a text or email.

It’s like having a double deadbolt for your digital life. Even if someone cracks your password, they won’t get far without the second key.

2. Update Your Devices: The Elf on the Shelf for Security

Smart gadgets get regular software updates for a reason: they patch security flaws. If you’ve been putting off those updates, now’s the time to take care of them before your trip.

Solution: Set your smart devices to update automatically or manually check for updates. From smart locks to cameras and even thermostats, make sure everything is up-to-date before you hit the road. It’s like leaving a security elf on the shelf to watch over things while you’re away.

Editor’s Note: If you’d like to learn more about how your smart home can be hacked and how to prevent it, check out The Truth about Smart Home Hacking.

3. Unplug Non-Essential Devices: Save Energy and Reduce Risk

Not all your gadgets need to stay plugged in while you’re away. Unplugging non-essential devices, like smart speakers or kitchen gadgets, can reduce the risk of power surges and save energy. They can also reduce the number of devices that hackers can try and access.

Solution: Unplug smart home devices that won’t be in use and aren’t critical to security (like smart TVs, coffee makers, or speakers). If you have smart plugs, you can schedule them to turn off after you’ve left. Not only is it safer, but your energy bill will thank you too.

Editor’s Note: Learn how HomeTechHacker saved money by managing the energy usage of the devices in his home.

4. Secure Your Wi-Fi: Don’t Let It Be a Hotspot for Trouble

Your home’s Wi-Fi is the gateway to all your smart devices. If your Wi-Fi is vulnerable, so are your gadgets. Make sure it’s locked down before you leave.

Here’s how:

• Change the default router name (SSID). Avoid broadcasting personal details like “The Smith House.”
• Use WPA3 encryption (or WPA2 if WPA3 isn’t available) to secure your network.
• Set up a guest network if you plan on giving someone (like your neighbor who’s keeping an eye on things) Wi-Fi access while you’re away. It’ll keep your main network and devices more secure.

A strong Wi-Fi network is like having a security system for your entire smart home.

Editor’s Note: HomeTechHacker has a great Wi-Fi guide that will help you speed up and secure your Wi-Fi.

5. Turn on Notifications: Be in the Know, Wherever You Go

You don’t need to be home to know what’s going on. Make sure your smart home apps are set to send you notifications for important events like motion detected by cameras, unexpected door unlocks, or changes in temperature.

Solution: Check that your smart security cameras, smart locks, and other monitoring devices are set to send you alerts. You’ll be able to keep an eye on things from your phone, whether you’re lounging on the beach or stuck in airport security.

It’s like having a direct line from your home to wherever you are, so you’re never out of the loop.

Editor’s Note: Learn how to use Telegram and Home Assistant to keep tabs on your home.

6. Set Your Smart Lights on a Schedule: Make It Look Like Someone’s Home

An empty house is an easy target for burglars, but if your lights come on and off like someone’s still there, it’ll make them think twice.

Solution: Program your smart lights to turn on and off at random intervals, especially in the evening. You can also sync them with motion sensors or your smart cameras to create the illusion of activity. You don’t need to leave the lights on 24/7 (unless you want a shock when the power bill arrives!).

Bonus tip: You can even control your lights remotely if you forget to set the schedule before leaving.

7. Smart Cameras: Watch Over Your Home from Afar

Smart cameras are your eyes and ears when you’re not around. Before heading out for the holidays, ensure your cameras are positioned correctly and functioning properly.

• Test your cameras to make sure they’re capturing important areas, like entry points.
• Review your storage options—whether it’s cloud storage or local encrypted storage—to ensure you can access footage if needed.
• Check privacy settings to make sure no one else can access your camera feeds. A password change might be in order if you haven’t done one recently.

Your cameras give you peace of mind by letting you check in on your home from anywhere.

Editor’s Note: HomeTechHacker has an article about how a smart home can increase the security of your home and an article about keeping your smart home safe while on vacation that you should check out for more details about securing your home for holiday travel.

Final Thoughts: A Secure Smart Home Makes for Stress-Free Travel

Before you load up the car or head to the airport for your holiday travel, take a few minutes to lock down your smart home. With strong passwords, updated devices, and a little attention to detail, you can enjoy your holiday travel knowing your house is safe from Grinches—both online and off.

So, relax and enjoy the trip! With these tips, you’re making the most of your home tech, and your smart home will be safe and sound while you’re away.

Happy travels and safe holidays!