Research from 2023 suggests that 25% of U.S. adults considered prime targets for smart home automation avoid the technology over security and privacy concerns. Among those who have already embraced home automation, 75% say they are concerned about privacy and security. Some of their concerns are directly related to remote access.
Remote access is one of the characteristics that makes a device smart. It is an attractive feature to many homeowners. Likewise, it is also attractive to criminals. Does this mean remote access should we taken out of the equation? No. A better idea would be to work harder at improving network security to keep criminals out.
I have a home automation system. I appreciate all its features, including remote access. Here are three reasons I find remote access so attractive:
1. Live Monitoring
Right off the bat, remote access allows me to monitor my system 24/7 regardless of where I am. The companion app on my cell phone provides access to all my system data with just a few taps on the screen. I can remotely monitor:
- Lighting (are lights on or off?)
- The temperature in my home
- The status of my door locks
Most importantly, I can monitor live video feeds from all my cameras. The cameras are set up to send me notifications whenever motion is detected. If I get a notification, I simply bring up the app and look at the live feeds. I have been known to check the feeds even without alerts. It gives me tremendous peace of mind to be able to check in on my home when I am not there.
2. Remote Control
The next attractive characteristic of remote access is what I call remote control. The best way to explain this is to discuss smart locks. Incidentally, I was introduced to the smart lock concept via a post published by Vivint Home Security. Smart locks are among the home automation devices they recommend.
At any rate, having smart locks eliminates the need for me to give keys to neighbors or visiting guests. When I go away, I can assign a neighbor a temporary access code so she can get in. As for out-of-town guests, they text me when they arrive, and I unlock the door remotely. They get into the house without the need for a key.
I can control my lights remotely, as well. When I am away, I turn lights on and off randomly to simulate someone being in the house. And of course, I can always program the lighting in case I forget to do things manually.
3. Programming Overrides
Third, remote access allows me to override programming anytime I need to. Let us say I am going to arrive home several hours later than normal. I can override the thermostat’s programming so that it doesn’t kick on at its normal time. By delaying it for a couple of hours, I save money by not cooling a house that is currently empty.
Getting back to those out-of-town guests, they might not know how to operate my smart lights. But I can still remotely override the programming so that they are not suddenly left in the dark with no way to get the lights on.
Granted, there are built-in security concerns that come with remote access. But with a little knowledge and some diligence, networks can be hardened against criminals who do not stand to gain a lot by overcoming my network security. It is like traditional home security: make it difficult for criminals to break in and they will choose softer targets instead.
