Worried About Unauthorized Access to Your Simplisafe System? Here’s What to Do
Your home security system is built on trust. The thought that someone unauthorized could have accessed your Simplisafe account is deeply unsettling. If you've seen suspicious activity or simply want to be proactive about your security, this guide will provide the immediate steps you need to take to secure your account and your home.
## Signs of Unauthorized Access
Be on the lookout for these red flags, which could indicate a compromised account:
- You receive notifications for system arming or disarming that you or your family didn't perform.
- Your Master PIN or other user PINs have been changed without your knowledge.
- You see new, unfamiliar users added to your account.
- The event log shows entries at times you know no one was home.
- You are locked out of your account, and your password no longer works.
If you notice any of these, you must act immediately.
## Immediate Steps to Secure Your Simplisafe Account
Follow these steps in order to lock down your system and investigate the potential breach.
### 1. Change Your Password Immediately
This is the most critical first step.
- Log into your Simplisafe account on the website or through the app. If you can't log in, use the "Forgot Password" link to initiate a reset process via your email.
- Navigate to the Account Settings or Login Information section.
- Choose a new, strong, and unique password.
- Strong: Use a mix of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Unique: Do not reuse a password you have used for any other online service (like email, banking, or social media).
### 2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication is one of the most effective security measures you can enable. It provides a powerful second layer of defence, even if someone manages to steal your password.
- In your Simplisafe account settings, find the Security or Login Verification section.
- Follow the prompts to enable Two-Factor Authentication.
- You will likely be asked to link your phone number. Now, whenever you (or anyone else) tries to log in, a unique, time-sensitive code will be sent to your phone, which must be entered to gain access.
### 3. Review All Users and PINs
Once your account is secured, check to see if the unauthorized person made any changes to your system's access codes.
- Go to the Users and PINs section of your settings.
- Carefully review the list of users and their associated PINs.
- Delete any users or PINs you do not recognise immediately.
- It's also a good security practice to change your existing, valid PINs as a precaution.
### 4. Examine the Event Log
Your system's timeline provides a complete history of all activity.
- Carefully scroll through the event log for the past few days or weeks.
- Look for any events—disarming, arming, sensor triggers, setting changes—that seem suspicious or occurred at unusual times.
- Take screenshots of any suspicious activity for your records.
## How to Prevent Future Unauthorized Access
- Beware of Phishing: Be suspicious of emails or text messages pretending to be from Simplisafe that ask for your login details. Never click on suspicious links.
- Secure Your Email: The email account associated with your Simplisafe system should also be secured with a strong, unique password and 2FA.
- Don't Share Your Password: Never give your account password to anyone. Grant access to family members by creating their own unique user PINs.
If you have completed these steps and still have concerns, do not hesitate to contact Simplisafe's official support team for further assistance.