If you’re a homeowner with some type of security system, you’re in good company. According to SafeHome, about 72% of home decision-makers have some form of home security system.

As technology has advanced over the past several years, so have the options for smart home safety devices. The good news — some of these smart options may be much more affordable than you think.

“Smart home security systems can be wonderful additions to keep your loved ones and valuables safe,” said Jon Elkins, vice president of safety, training, and compliance for Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “They also can be easy targets for attackers if they’re not properly protected and updated regularly.”

Like other internet-connected devices, smart home security systems can be vulnerable to hackers and security breaches.

You can take steps to ensure your safety with these systems by keeping your devices updated and using security measures like data encryption and two-factor authentication. You should also:

• Secure your Wi-Fi router:
  It should be password-protected with a strong level of encryption.
• Be smart with your passwords:
  Make them challenging to figure out, and don’t reuse them.
• Keep your devices up-to-date:
  Regularly check and install firmware updates to improve security.
• Try to find devices with enhanced security features:
  Buy devices with these features and make sure you enable them.

These actions can help keep your private information safe while keeping your home secure.