If you own a Ring smart home network, the recent security issues surrounding the Ring account — including several families whose systems have been compromised and a new report showing how easy it is to do — may leave you a little worried, understandably so. The thought that the cameras you have mounted in your home to increase security can give you, your family, and your home exposure to strangers is highly unsettling.
It may be some consolation to learn that hacking is not the hardware or the device itself to current owners. It’s you— or, in other words, the tools you use to secure your identity and otherwise make sure that anyone other than you or your family can’t use your account.
In terms of device protection, many of us have developed indolent habits. We use the same password with multiple accounts, opt with quickly guessed passwords, or miss using modified security mechanisms like two-factor authentication (2FA). But if you’re concerned with something as critical as personal security, it’s smart not to take any chances.
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One of the first things is to make sure you use your Ring apps with a unique password. Tracking numerous instances where specific systems have been compromised and their login lists stolen is simple enough. That’s why it’s not a good idea to use the same password as, say, your music account for your smart home device. A handy tool to use — both to monitor and create complex new passwords— is a password manager.
How to set up two-factor authentication on your ring account
You also need to enable the account’s two-factor authentication. Ring provides its 2FA approach recommended when downloading the app for the first time. Initially, you get another chance from within the app if you missed setting it up. How to set it up here:
- Open the Ring app
- Click on the menu icon in the upper-left corner and select “Settings.”
- You will be taken to the “Account Settings” page. In the section “Enhanced Security, tap on “Two-Factor Authentication.
- The next screen explains that you will now get a verification code. You’ll be texted a verification code. The phone number where codes will be sent is shown; you can change that if you need to.
It’s probably a good idea to change your password once you’ve allowed 2FA (even if you’ve already used a special one), just in case someone picks up your current password. On the same “Account Settings” page you were on before, you can find the “Password” link. Only press “Edit” and put in a new password — one you haven’t used before, presumably.
And that’s what it is. For now, to protect your Ring account, you have done what you can.