Smart Homes offer a variety of benefits: they make daily life more comfortable, energy-efficient, and secure. The latter is of particular importance, as digital networks always involve sensitive data. In this article, we share our practical tips to increase the level of safety in your own Smart Home.

1. Use contracts to protect your privacy

Make sure there is a clear agreement between you and your installer. Ideally, you should lay out the terms and conditions in a signed contract which specifies how your personal data is handled. This builds a relationship of trust, while you remain in control of your own data.   

2. Consider and budget the costs for data security

Of course, increased safety does not come free-of-charge. It is therefore important to take all necessary expenses into consideration at the beginning of the planning phase. The longer your hardware stays up to date, the less you will have to spend later.  If you’re afraid to go over budget, you might also split up the installation into two stages: first a basic version to cover the essentials, followed by an upgrade for enhanced security.

3. Prevent unauthorised access

You decide who has access your home network – and who doesn’t. Make sure to use strong passwords for all systems and devices and change them on a regular basis (at least two times per year). Wireless networks should be protected by a WPA2 encryption method. Ask your installer to check whether that is all set up. In case there has been a sign of unauthorised access, contact your installer immediately. In addition, we recommend installing a security module such as the Gira S1. This device encrypts your personal data in compliance with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – so you can safely access your home automation system via the Gira Smart Home app from anywhere.

4. Update regularly

As technology keeps evolving, so do security standards. Whenever there’s a new update available for your Smart Home, you should activate it as soon as possible. Outdated software can quickly turn into an easy target for unauthorised parties. By always keeping your system up to date, you minimize the risk of any security breaches. Gira constantly revises and optimizes the software of existing devices and systems to provide the highest level of safety. You can always contact your installer for more information about any pending updates in the near future.

Gira motion detector Cube

To ensure reliable light switching, the Cube is capable of detecting not only ambient brightness but also the thermal motion of passers-by. This particular combination prevents the unintentional illumination of the light. For example, a gust of wind won’t switch it on or waste energy. This means that the Cube reacts only when needed.

Gira KNX weather station Plus

You can follow your daily routine in complete relaxation because, no matter what the weather, your home is prepared for everything. The Gira weather station Plus is particularly convenient, safe and efficient. This system measures nine different meteorological parameters and transmits the current data to the in-house KNX system. Paired devices then perform the desired functions: The sun starts to shine and the blinds are automatically lowered, it gets stormy and they are brought back into a safe position. Or the shutters close in the dark and the exterior and path lighting switches on. It's as simple as that.

Gira smoke alarm devices

Gira smoke alarm devices protect your home against outbreaks of fire – safely and reliably. The “Q” label stands for highest quality standards, a long lifeapan, less deceptive alarms, and increased stability. Based on the photoelectric scattered light principle, the devices register small smoke particles and trigger an alarm as soon as the threshold value is exceeded. The battery will last up to 10 years, until the smoke alarm device must be replaced by law.

Gira UK c/o Wandsworth, the home of Gira in the UK

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