Securing Your Scout Alarm After Suspected Unauthorised Access
Your home security system is the guardian of your personal space, and the trust you place in it is paramount. The idea that an unauthorised person could gain access to your Scout Alarm is a serious concern. While Scout employs strong security protocols, user account security is a shared responsibility. If you've noticed strange behaviour or suspect your account has been compromised, you must act swiftly.
This guide will show you how to identify the warning signs of a breach and the immediate steps to take to re-secure your Scout Alarm system.
## Red Flags: Signs of a Compromised Account
A security breach isn't always obvious. Pay close attention to these warning signs, which can indicate that someone else has access to your account.
- Unexplained Activity: The most telling sign is in your timeline. You see the system was disarmed and then armed again while you were away, or disarmed in the middle of the night.
- Mode Changes: The system mode changes unexpectedly (e.g., from 'Away' to 'Home') without your input.
- Unfamiliar Users: You check the 'Users' list in your settings and see an email address or person you did not authorise.
- Login Problems: Your password suddenly stops working, and you are certain you are entering it correctly.
- Alerts for Actions You Didn't Take: You receive a notification that a door was opened, but everyone is home and the door is closed. This could indicate someone is testing the system's sensors.
- Emails from Scout: You receive an email from Scout about a password change or a login from a new device that you do not recognise.
## Your Security Action Plan: What to Do Immediately
If you notice any of the signs above, do not wait. Take these steps in order to lock down your account and protect your home.
### 1. Immediately Change Your Scout Password
This is your first and most critical action to regain control.
- Log in to the Scout app or website.
- Navigate to your Account Settings or Profile.
- Select the option to Change Password.
- Create a new password that is both strong and unique.
- Strong: Use at least 12 characters, with a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Unique: Do not reuse a password that you have used for any other online service (like email, banking, or social media).
### 2. Fortify Your Account with Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Enabling 2FA is the single most important action you can take to prevent future unauthorised logins.
- In your Scout account settings, find the Security section.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication.
- Follow the instructions to link your account with an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator) or to receive codes via SMS.
- Once enabled, logging in will require both your password and a temporary code from your phone, making it virtually impossible for anyone to get in with just a stolen password.
### 3. Audit and Clean Up User Access
Now that you've secured the main account, you need to ensure there are no backdoors.
- In the Scout app, go to Settings and select Users.
- Carefully review the list of every person who has access to your system.
- If you see anyone you don't recognise, delete them immediately.
- If you see people who no longer need access (e.g., a former house-sitter), remove their access as well.
### 4. Review Your Timeline and Contact Support
- Review Activity: Look through your activity timeline for the past few weeks. Note any suspicious events. This information can be helpful if you need to report the incident.
- Contact Scout Support: It is a good idea to contact Scout's official support team. Inform them that you believe your account was compromised and that you have already taken steps to secure it. They may be able to provide additional insight or check their logs for suspicious IP addresses.
By taking these decisive steps, you can confidently re-establish the security of your Scout Alarm system and ensure you are the only one in control of your home's safety.