Protecting Your Smart Home: Identifying and Securing Home Devices at Risk

Smart home technology offers convenience and efficiency, but it also introduces potential security risks. The interconnectivity that makes these devices so appealing can also make them vulnerable to exploitation. Understanding these risks and taking proactive steps to secure your network is crucial. Many home devices at risk can be easily compromised, leading to identity theft, cybercrime, and privacy violations. This article will highlight six types of home devices at risk that need immediate protection.

The Growing Threat to Smart Home Security

In a desire for more convenience, we’ve potentially created a vulnerability. Anything which can connect to the internet is hackable. While the security of IoT devices is constantly being improved, consumer error, faulty technology, or overlooked bugs can lead to compromised systems. One illustrative experiment unveiled the cybersecurity risks of smart homes. At its peak, researchers recorded more than 12,000 hacking attempts in one week. It’s not just people hacking in their bedroom anymore, it’s a money-making exercise and so the level of commitment from a security point of view has to be much greater.

1. Security Cameras and Smart Doorbells

Home security systems, smart doorbells, and even applications like Amazon’s Echo Look use cameras and feeds to improve access and functionality. However, these devices can become a gateway for hackers to access your entire Wi-Fi network.

• Camera Exploitation: A hacker can find vulnerabilities within camera devices. Once inside, the cybercriminal could seize control of the camera and even intercept warning and security messages.

• Smart Doorbells: Smart doorbells are designed to enhance security, but doorbells like Ring can put your network at risk. A recent security test showed that hackers could exploit the doorbell to gain access to the entire Wi-Fi network; the hacker should simply remove Ring’s cover and press the reset button to be granted access.

To mitigate the risk, monitor and secure in-home devices with cameras carefully. Update the devices regularly to close loopholes and eliminate vulnerabilities.

2. Smart Locks

Smart locks offer convenient access to your home, but they can also be easily exploited. Hackers can target these security devices via the apps used to set them up.

• Application Vulnerabilities: By offering a malware-loaded application that proposes to help improve security and improve battery life, researchers in a recent study were able to access and exploit common smart locks in seconds.
• Bypassing Security Measures: The "hackers" were able to choose alternative pin codes to gain access to the home and remove alerts that were designed to notify the homeowner of changes.

If you use smart locks or other smart devices, be aware that third-party apps may not be there for your benefit at all.

3. Home Assistants

From Amazon’s Alexa to Google’s smart home assistants, the devices designed to make your life easier could also provide access to your home or result in costly errors. Whether the assistant allows an elderly family member with dementia to order dozens of new appliances or accepts an order from a child for multiple Barbies, your bank account can take a hit.

• Unauthorized Access: A third party could easily access your device and order items for themselves, too. As these devices become more sophisticated and include cameras, they can be used to exploit your network and privacy.
• Privacy Concerns: Amazon’s Echo Look is designed to be placed in a changing area or closet and snap images of your clothing. A hacker could easily exploit this and have the perfect view of your changing area or bedroom.

4. Smart Home Hubs and Integration Systems

Smart home integration allows you to connect devices such as smart thermostats, lights, and locks to a central hub or platform. From this hub, you can monitor and control these devices remotely, providing you with unparalleled flexibility and control over your home environment.

• Remote Temperature Control: Smart thermostats enable you to regulate your home's temperature remotely. They can learn your heating and cooling preferences and adjust settings automatically to optimize energy usage.
• Remote Lighting Control: Smart lighting systems allow you to control your lights remotely and create schedules. This can give the impression that your home is occupied even when you're away, deterring potential intruders.
• Remote Lock Control: Smart locks offer keyless entry and can be controlled remotely through an app and often come with features like digital keys and activity logs, providing an additional layer of security and control.

Investing in smart home integration not only adds convenience to your daily life but also provides enhanced security and peace of mind.

5. Smart Appliances

Smart appliances, such as smart TVs and refrigerators, are increasingly common in modern homes. These devices connect to the internet to offer features like streaming video, voice control, and remote monitoring. However, they also present significant security risks.

• Vulnerability to Hacking: Smart appliances often lack robust security measures, making them vulnerable to hacking. A compromised appliance can serve as a gateway for attackers to access your home network and other connected devices.
• Data Collection and Privacy Concerns: Many smart appliances collect data about your usage habits and preferences. This data can be vulnerable to theft or misuse if the device is not properly secured.
• Lack of Timely Updates: Updates are essential to maintain the security of IoT devices. The devices should be updated on a timely basis, immediately after new vulnerabilities are discovered. IoT device OEMs often do not prioritize cyber-security when designing their products. This leads to the production of devices that are more vulnerable to cyber-attack.

6. Network Devices (Routers, Modems)

The router is the gateway to your home network, and if it’s compromised, every device connected to it is at risk. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in routers to gain access to sensitive information, install malware, or launch attacks on other devices.

• Weak Security Protocols: Routers often come with default passwords and outdated firmware, making them easy targets for cybercriminals.
• Botnet Infections: Routers can be infected with botnet malware, turning them into part of a network of compromised devices used to launch DDoS attacks or other malicious activities.

How to Protect Your Home Devices at Risk

To mitigate the risks associated with smart home technology, consider the following security measures:

• Be Aware of What You Are Using: Make sure you know what the device does and what it is capable of doing.
• Update Devices Regularly: As security issues are identified, manufacturers make updates and patches to close loopholes and eliminate vulnerabilities. Updating your software regularly helps protect you from those who would exploit your network.
• Choose Strong Passwords: Every device you have needs a strong password, even if it is not terribly convenient. Since any device could potentially allow access, using “password” “123456” or other common choices increase your risk of exploitation.
• Keep Track of Devices: If you lose your smartphone, Fitbit, or tablet, the person who finds it can have legacy access to your entire home full of devices; you’ll need to check your security settings and change your passwords if you lose a controlling device.
• Avoid Third-Party Applications: It may seem like a way to enhance your smart home, but downloading and using third-party apps could lead to trouble. Hackers create what seem like useful applications for your smart home products, but once you download these apps, your network is easily accessible to the creators of the app, boosting your risk considerably.
• Research Device Privacy Policies: Before purchasing a smart home device, carefully review the manufacturer’s privacy policy. Look for transparency about things like data collection, sharing practices, and security measures in place to protect user information.
• Regularly Update Firmware: Ensure that your smart home devices have the latest firmware updates. Manufacturers often release updates to address security vulnerabilities as well as enhance device performance. Regular updates help fortify your devices against potential cyber threats.
• Use Strong Passwords: Put in place strong, unique passwords for each smart home device. Avoid using default passwords. These are often easy targets for hackers. Strengthen your home network security to protect against unauthorized access.
• Consider Offline Alternatives: Research whether you can achieve certain smart home functionalities with offline alternatives. If you can, opt for devices that operate offline or have limited connectivity. This can reduce the potential for data exposure.
• Limit Voice-Activated Features: If privacy is a top concern, consider limiting or disabling voice-activated features. This reduces the likelihood of inadvertent audio recordings and potential eavesdropping.
• Regularly Audit Connected Devices: Periodically review the smart home devices connected to your network. Remove any devices that are no longer in use or that lack adequate security measures. Keep a lean and secure smart home ecosystem to mitigate your risk.

By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of your home devices at risk being compromised and protect your privacy and security.