A guide to smart home security technology

With the average Australian household now boasting up to 25 connected devices, our homes are more comfortable, efficient, and secure than ever before. If you're a homeowner aiming to enhance your home security and reduce the risk of potential insurance claims, smart home technology could be a valuable addition to your home.

Types of smart home technology

Smart cameras and video doorbells

Smart cameras and video doorbells provide a convenient way to monitor and engage with visitors to your home, no matter where you are in the world. They:

• let you remotely monitor your home through your phone, and
• alert you to any disturbances in real-time.

Some models even let you speak to people approaching your home, allowing you to screen visitors while you’re away from home.

One thing to be aware of however, is that shifts in light, caused by shadows, can trigger alarms unless they’re properly calibrated. These shifts are a part of everyday life if you have pets or live near a main road. Thankfully, there are camera systems that allow you to adjust for changes in light patterns - that way, you can sleep undisturbed if your cat jumps up on the bookcase during the night.

Get a quote

Smart locks

Smart locks allow for keyless entry through a keypad, phone app, or fingerprint scan. For added security, you can pair a smart lock with an existing keyhole entry.

There are several different kinds of smart locks, including:

• Keypad smart locks: These are the simplest security solution for homeowners. They have a keypad on the outside of the door, allowing you to unlock it with a code. Some keypads also have a traditional keyhole for backup in case the battery dies, or you forget the code.
• Smart deadbolts: The most common type of smart locks. They replace the deadbolt on a standard door and use a motor to lock and unlock it. You usually operate them with a smartphone app or other electronic device.
• Smart lever locks: Similar to smart deadbolts, these replace the lever handle on a door instead of the deadbolt. They can include features like temporary access codes for guests, automatic locking and are great for interior doors.
• Biometric smart locks: Why go through the trouble of memorising a code when you can use your fingerprint instead? Biometric locks are usually more expensive, but since they require a unique physical trait to open the door – such as your fingerprint or voice pattern – they can be more secure.
• Smart padlocks: If you’re after extra security for your backyard shed or bicycle, then a smart padlock might be worth some consideration. Typically, they’re controlled through an app via Bluetooth.

Smart temperature and humidity alarms

Smart thermometers and hygrometers can optimise the air quality in your home, helping you monitor and avoid mould caused by excessive humidity. Most smart temperature and humidity alarms connect to Wi-Fi, enabling you to check your home's air quality from anywhere via a dedicated app.

You can also find models that pair with smart humidifiers and air conditioners, allowing you to create a fully automated schedule for the seamless maintenance of your home’s air quality.

Automated lights and appliances

Smart light bulbs allow you to control the lights around your home with an app or through voice control.

Homes tend to be more secure if they look lived-in. Automated lighting schedules can help by making it look someone is home even when you're away - by setting your lights to turn on and off at specific times, you might deter potential intruders.

Smart lighting options consume less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs, making them a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option in the long run.

How to protect your privacy

While smart devices can make our homes more convenient and efficient, they can also introduce additional cybersecurity risks. Unsecured home Wi-Fi networks can become targets for hackers. They might exploit them to gain unauthorised access to your personal data through the connected devices in your smart home ecosystem.

Following these tips can help to protect your smart home and your privacy:

• Set a strong Wi-Fi password that is at least 16 characters long and includes numbers and special characters.
• Install antivirus software that can check your network for viruses.
• Use multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
• Research the security features of any smart device before purchasing.

The future of smart home insurance

As smart homes evolve, it's a good idea to keep your smart home insurance up to date. This ensures you have appropriate cover for any smart devices you purchase, as well as for your building and contents in case of events like fire, including bushfire, or theft.

You can check and update the details of your policy anytime using GIO Online Services.

Log in to GIO Online Services

Read more:

• What is net zero housing?
• Why net-zero housing is the way of the future
• Tips to reduce your electricity bill in winter

Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. Go to gio.com.au for a copy. Target Market Determination also available. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.

The information is intended to be of a general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon it – please make your own enquiries.