GoKawiilMany security device vulnerabilities start right at home. Direct smart home hacking isn't nearly as common as some people fear, but when devices are infected by botnets, it's typically because of weak Wi-Fi encryption, not using TFA and bad passwords. But it's important to check how secure businesses are, too.
It's a huge headache when a security company you use has a massive data breach, or has such bad internal security that employees can steal data or spy through cameras. But where do you turn if cloud video and account theft is your top concern? While no security company is perfect, some have far better track records than others when it comes to storing, handling and protecting data, as well as watching for and patching vulnerabilities. Here are my top recommendations.
Read more: What the Law Says About Police Seizing Your Home Security Videos
Ecobee
Ecobee's Essential model still has plenty of smart tricks, just not all the same sensors. Ecobee
From smart thermostats to outdoor cameras, Ecobee offers an array of smart home offerings -- and the company continues to have an excellent track record when it comes to both data security and privacy practices, making Ecobee a sure winner for those worried about what happens to their data. It's also one of the only companies that combines a security cam live view, thermostat and smart speaker into one device.
The Canadian company hasn't experienced any major data breach events or other problems in its history, and consistently makes data decisions with the privacy of its users in mind. That includes not selling the information it collects, nor sharing it with third parties for advertising purposes or even analysis unless you sign up for the Donta Your Data program. Ecobee also pushed back on Amazon when it requested more data via its Alexa capabilities housed in some Ecobee devices, believing it would violate customer trust. A rare W, as they say.
Ecobee will even warn customers if it looks as though they're using account names or passwords that are used on other websites, a dangerous mistake far too many of us make. This not only keeps your data more secure, but makes it less likely that a data breach on some other service will affect Ecobee's security.
Lockly
Lockly offers advanced and video smart locks. Tyler Lacoma/CNET
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