Technology
What is your doorbell’s password?
Is TFA an option? Do you have two-factor-authentication turned on? You should.
Even on your thermostats (see: Family Says Hacked Nest Cam Terrorized Them With Fake Ballistic Missile Alert)
In 2018, I represented sellers with solar systems installed, Nest and EcoBee thermostats, Ring doorbells, SimpliSafe security systems.
I deliberately chose a robot vacuum that does not have wifi (seriously, why does a vacuum need an IP address?)
I suspect I’ll be representing buyers and sellers in 2019 and we’ll be discussing the smart home systems that have smart thermostats, doorbells, security, solar, video, motion …
Smart security practices are key. If you have smart stuff in your home, make sure they’re secure. Or … have an analog home.
You never know who’s trying to hack your doorbell/refrigerator/vacuum/washing machine/thermostat/etc, or when Amazon employees might be getting access to your doorbell’s camera.
Must–Ought-to-listen: The Lawfare Podcast: Senator Mark Warner on a New Cyber Doctrine
… to combat the sort of information warfare and cyberattacks used in that election, as well as the more general and staggering cybersecurity threats posed to U.S. persons and entities, the Senator lays out a detailed series of recommendations for this doctrine, emphasizing: establishing international cyber norms and rules; combatting disinformation and misinformation; hardening networks, weapons systems, and Internet of Things devices; realigning defense spending; and strong federal leadership.
Interested in Learning More?
Jim Duncan has been helping buyers and sellers in Charlottesville’s neighborhoods for 25 years. Get local insight born of experience.
Dig Deeper
Who Owns the Thermostat’s Data?
Have you ever read the terms of use that come with a Nest or an EcoBee thermostat? I hadn't. (I don't have one) Who owns that data? How is that data transferred/deleted? How might it affect the current homeowner? As Realtors, might we soon add…
Blockchain and Real Estate
Q: What is a blockchain? A: “The blockchain is an incorruptible digital ledger of economic transactions that can be programmed to record not just financial transactions but virtually everything of value.” I admit; I don't yet fully grasp blockchain. But I know it's going…
Open Data in the City of Charlottesville
The Open Data workgroup last night put on by Smart Cville (disclosure, I'm on their board, and I spoke briefly) was fascinating, not only for the insight provided by the City of Charlottesville folks demonstrating the tools available, but also the depth of information available at the…
Recordings in the House
I remember several years ago showing a house, as we do, making honest and critical comments about the house (my folks ended up buying it), when we looked up, saw cameras, and realized we were being recorded by the sellers. We stopped talking. Being able…