Government figures show that 99% of UK adults own at least one smart home device, averaging nine connected gadgets per household.
Recent research examines connected home security, highlighting various risks across consumer hardware, networking equipment, and IoT device implementations.
The dangers behind smart devices
Home threats depend on the device and how it can be compromised. In some cases, attackers exploit technical software issues in the devices themselves.
On cameras and doorbells, attacks often rely on the use of common or default code combinations, which attackers try in droves until they gain access. If they succeed, they can view live images, stored video, or even use the device’s speakers to speak to anyone in the home. While new laws in the UK now prohibit easy factory default codes on some products, older devices still need to be careful.
The central role of the internet router
The router, the box that distributes internet throughout your home, is the main gateway between the public internet and your private network. Because all other devices depend on it, it is a prime target. Attackers often target older models by exploiting software issues, exposed remote control settings, or a lack of updates from manufacturers.
Televisions and players
Smart TVs essentially function as computers with their own operating system and applications. Research by cybersecurity companies such as Bitdefender has previously identified security vulnerabilities in various versions of TV operating systems, and reports show that TVs account for a significant proportion of vulnerable household devices. Meanwhile, consumer groups in the UK have identified cheap internet TV boxes with outdated software and unencrypted data transmission.
How to protect your smart home
To reduce the risks without losing the comfort of your devices, you can follow a few simple steps:
- Use unique passwords for each device and service.
- Enable two-step verification where available.
- Keep devices up to date and replace equipment, such as old routers, that is no longer supported.
- Change the admin and Wi-Fi passwords on your router and disable remote management if you don't need it.
- Create a separate guest network for smart devices so they don't communicate directly with your more sensitive files or computers.
- Use network-level protection, which can scan devices for security vulnerabilities and block suspicious activity.
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