Smart home technology has made everyday life more convenient than ever. From security cameras and smart speakers to connected TVs, thermostats, doorbells and lighting systems, more devices are now connected to the internet and capable of communicating with each other.
But convenience comes with a downside.
Every connected device can potentially become another entry point for cybercriminals. While people often focus on protecting their computers and smartphones, smart home devices can receive considerably less attention when it comes to security.
That makes it important to look beyond passwords and antivirus software and consider the security of the entire home network.
Why smart home devices can create security risks
A smart device may seem harmless, but many connected products collect information, communicate with external servers and remain connected to the internet around the clock.
A compromised security camera, for example, could potentially expose private footage. A vulnerable smart speaker could provide information about household activity, while an insecure router could put multiple connected devices at risk.
The problem becomes more complicated as the number of connected devices increases.
A household might have several smartphones, laptops, televisions, gaming consoles and smart appliances connected to the same network. If one poorly secured device is compromised, it could potentially provide an attacker with an opportunity to investigate other systems on the network.
This is why securing the router should be considered just as important as securing the individual devices connected to it.
Start with the router
The router is effectively the gateway between a home network and the wider internet.
One of the first things users should do after installing a new router is change the default administrator username and password if the manufacturer allows it. Default credentials can be widely known, making them an unnecessary security weakness.
The router’s firmware should also be kept up to date. Manufacturers regularly release updates that can address security vulnerabilities and improve performance.
Users should also check which security protocol their router is using. Modern standards such as WPA3 provide stronger protection than older wireless security technologies, although compatibility with older devices can sometimes be an issue.
If a router supports automatic firmware updates, enabling the feature can also help ensure important security patches are not forgotten.
Give smart devices their own network
One useful strategy for households with many connected devices is network segmentation.
Instead of putting every device on the same Wi-Fi network, users can create a separate network for smart home products. Many modern routers offer a guest network that can be repurposed for this purpose, although the exact features vary between models.
This means a smart light bulb or connected appliance does not necessarily need to share the same network as a computer containing important documents.
The principle is simple: if one device is compromised, separating it from other systems can limit what an attacker can potentially reach.
Some routers also offer dedicated IoT network features specifically designed for connected home devices.
Don’t ignore software updates
Smart home devices may not receive the same attention as smartphones and computers, but they still need updates.
Manufacturers sometimes release firmware updates to fix vulnerabilities, improve compatibility or address other security issues.
Before purchasing a smart device, it is worth checking whether the manufacturer has a history of providing regular software updates and how long the product is expected to receive support.
A cheap connected device may not be such a bargain if the manufacturer stops providing security updates shortly after purchase.
Use strong, unique passwords
Passwords remain one of the simplest ways to protect connected devices and accounts.
Using the same password across multiple services creates unnecessary risk. If credentials from one account are exposed during a breach, attackers may attempt to use the same combination elsewhere.
A password manager can make it easier to use long, unique passwords without having to remember every one.
Where available, two-factor authentication should also be enabled. This provides an additional verification step and can help protect an account even if its password is compromised.
Be careful with remote access
Many smart home products allow users to control their devices while they are away from home.
Being able to check a security camera or turn on the heating from a smartphone can be extremely useful, but remote access should only be enabled when necessary.
Users should review the manufacturer’s remote-access settings and disable features they do not need.
If a device offers a secure alternative for remote access, it is generally preferable to using poorly protected services that expose the device directly to the internet.
A VPN can add another layer of protection
A virtual private network can also play a role in a broader home security strategy.
A VPN encrypts internet traffic between a device and the VPN server, making it harder for someone monitoring the connection to inspect that traffic. It can also hide the user’s public IP address from websites and other online services.
For example, someone working from home might use a VPN when accessing sensitive services, particularly when switching between their home connection and public networks.
Services such as Planet VPN can provide an additional layer of privacy for compatible devices, although a VPN should not be considered a replacement for securing the router, updating devices or using strong passwords.
It is also important to remember that a VPN does not automatically protect every smart device in a home. Many IoT products cannot run VPN software directly, meaning their security still depends heavily on the router and the device manufacturer’s own protections.
Don’t forget devices you rarely use
One of the easiest security improvements is also one of the simplest: disconnect devices that are no longer needed.
An old smart speaker sitting in a cupboard or an unused connected camera may still have an active account or network connection.
If a device is no longer being used, removing it from the network and deleting the associated account can reduce the number of potential attack surfaces.
The same principle applies to apps. If a smart home application is no longer needed, uninstalling it and removing unnecessary permissions can help keep a digital environment under control.
Smart homes require smart security habits
The growth of connected devices means cybersecurity is no longer limited to computers and smartphones.
A secure smart home starts with the basics: protect the router, use strong and unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication where possible, install firmware updates and separate less-trusted IoT devices from computers containing sensitive information.
It is also worth researching a manufacturer’s security practices before buying a connected product. Security should be considered alongside price, features and compatibility rather than treated as an afterthought.
Smart home technology can make life easier, but the more devices connected to a network, the more important it becomes to understand how that network is protected.
A few minutes spent securing the foundations of a connected home can go a long way toward keeping both the technology and the information behind it safer.
