Disadvantages of Home Automation/Smart Home

In the world of technology, new developments can be so fast that predicting what may happen in the future can be redundant as it appears as soon as it is predicted. Although the future of smart home is definitely bright but we need to take a holistic view of these developments, understanding negative effects that such growth creates.

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Disadvantages of Home Automation:

   1. Security Issues:
As with all computing devices, security will become a greater issue as more people use smart home devices. Certainly there will be a range of security concerns that arise and a subsequent mushrooming of smart home security software and devices.

   a) App security:
Smart home devices are usually linked to companion apps that can be used to control the devices. However, to do this they are granted a range of permissions that influence the functionality of the device, such as being able to open and close a smart lock that is securing your home.

If hackers gain access to these apps then it could have considerable security implications, as they will be able to control access to your home. The best way to
mitigate against this is to ensure your smart home apps are as up-to-date as possible and that you install any software & security updates that become available for the apps.

    b) Wireless security:
Almost all smart devices derive their functionality from some form of wireless communication (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth). As with all digital communications, there is potential for hackers to intercept wireless communications and use this to gain access to your smart home devices. Wi-Fi is one of the most common ways to connect to smart home devices, so it is important that you protect your home Wi-Fi router as well as you can.

   c) Integrated systems:
Some manufacturers offer integrated smart home systems, where one system is used to control all of the smart home devices. The obvious risk here is if hackers gain access to the system then they can control everything in your smart home.

    2. Cost: Extremely expensive:
Although a lot of smart home devices are now affordable for many, but still it is extremely expensive to fully equip a home with smart devices. However, most computing technology becomes progressively more powerful & less expensive and 
this will be undoubtedly applicable for smart home devices as well.
   3. Greater acceptance:
A lot of new technology can sometimes be seen as unnecessary & some people may currently view smart home devices in this way. But in the same way that, over the years, we have seen devices such as washing machines, microwave ovens & TV remote controls become indispensable in the home, it is probable that in a few years, no one will question the fact that they control their lights with a voice command or
clean their home with a robotic vacuum cleaner.

Attacks on smart home devices are not unheard of, but they are relatively rare. It is a personal choice to weigh up the security & financial risks against the range of benefits that smart home devices offer.