According to Parks Associates, in connected homes, the average family uses 17 internet-enabled devices, from smart speakers and video doorbells to baby monitors and intelligent thermostats.
These gadgets add convenience, but they also introduce security vulnerabilities that often go unnoticed. Alarmingly, cyber attacks on IoT devices have increased by 400% year over year over the last several years. A 2024 Netgear report also indicates that average smart home devices suffer as many as ten potential daily attacks.
At Batten Home Security, we regularly help families balance embracing smart technology and maintaining proper security measures. This comprehensive guide will walk you through practical, effective ways to protect your interconnected home without sacrificing convenience.
Let’s talk about how to secure smart home devices.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Smart home devices introduce serious vulnerabilities if not properly secured, with up to ten attempted attacks per day on average IoT setups.
- Real-world incidents involving hacked cameras, robot vacuums, and baby monitors show that weak credentials and unpatched devices can lead to severe privacy breaches.
- A strong home network foundation, including a secured router, updated firmware, WPA3 encryption, and remote access disabled, is essential for all smart homes.
- Creating a dedicated IoT network using your router’s guest network function reduces the risk of cross-device compromise if one device is breached.
- Changing default passwords, using unique, strong ones per device, and enabling two-factor authentication greatly reduce access risks.
- Regular firmware updates, disabling unused features, and monitoring device traffic help detect and prevent unauthorized activity.
Understanding Smart Home Security Risks
The allure of controlling your lights with voice commands or checking on your sleeping baby from your phone comes with hidden security challenges. Each connected device represents a potential entry point for unauthorized access to your home network.
Smart home security concerns aren’t just theoretical. In recent years, there have been numerous documented cases of compromised baby monitors, security cameras, and even smart TVs being accessed by strangers.
According to IBM, as many as 50% of all IoT devices have critical security vulnerabilities that hackers can easily exploit, and one in three cyber attacks involves IoT devices.
We’ve found that many homeowners don’t realize that their devices might be vulnerable until after an incident occurs. Smart home products often ship with minimal security configurations enabled, operating under the assumption that users will strengthen these settings, but many families don’t know where to start.
Recent Hacking Incidents Involving IoT Devices
Here are some recent high-profile cases that made the news to illustrate the risk that unsecured IoT devices pose to your home and family.
Robot Vacuums Hacked
Robot vacuums in multiple U.S. cities were recently hacked, allowing attackers to remotely steer the devices and broadcast racial slurs through their speakers. The affected Ecovacs Deebot X2 vacuums were compromised due to serious security flaws, including a bypassable PIN system and unsecured video access.
This disturbing incident highlights just how vulnerable Internet of Things (IoT) devices can be when manufacturers fail to implement proper cybersecurity protections, putting user privacy, safety, and dignity at serious risk within their own homes.
Man Uses Connected Camera to Spy on Eight-Year-Old Girl
Hackers exploited weak login credentials to gain access to Ring home security cameras in multiple U.S. states, including Mississippi.
In one chilling incident, a man used a Ring camera to speak to an 8-year-old girl in her bedroom, hurling racial slurs and pretending to be Santa Claus.
These breaches highlight how vulnerable internet-connected devices can be when basic security measures like unique passwords and multi-factor authentication are neglected, leaving families exposed to harassment and invasive surveillance inside their homes.
Famous Rapper’s Baby Monitor Compromised
A terrifying breach of privacy occurred when Australian rapper J-Milla and his partner discovered someone had hacked into their Wi-Fi baby monitor and was speaking to their one-year-old daughter.
The unknown man’s voice was heard through the monitor at 6 a.m., prompting the father to rush in, expecting an intruder.
Incidents like this highlight how cybercriminals can exploit internet-connected baby monitors and IoT devices. Without proper safeguards, these tools meant to protect families can instead expose them to serious privacy and safety risks.
Professional Hackers Hired to Test Smart Home Security With Alarming Results
A CBC Marketplace investigation revealed just how vulnerable smart homes can be to cyberattacks.
In a test authorized by homeowners, ethical hackers were able to breach an Ontario family’s smart home setup within hours, cracking their Wi-Fi password, hijacking their thermostat, accessing indoor security cameras, and even unlocking their front door using stolen login credentials.
These attacks were made easier by reused passwords and the lack of two-factor authentication on some devices.
This incident highlights the growing risks of the Internet of Things (IoT). As more households adopt smart locks, thermostats, cameras, and voice assistants, the attack surface for hackers expands dramatically. Devices often ship with weak or default credentials, and many users don’t update security settings, leaving their homes exposed to unauthorized surveillance or even physical intrusion.
In some cases, footage from unsecured Canadian cameras was found livestreaming on international websites.
Without stricter security protocols from manufacturers and more awareness from consumers, IoT devices meant to bring convenience can quickly turn into gateways for privacy violations, theft, or emotional harm. As smart technology becomes more embedded in daily life, securing it must become a top priority.
How to Secure Your Smart Home Devices in 9 Easy Steps
Smart home devices bring comfort, convenience, and control to modern households, but they also open the door to new digital threats if not properly secured. From voice assistants to connected cameras, each device adds another potential entry point for hackers. Fortunately, protecting your home doesn’t have to be complicated.
With just a few practical actions, you can greatly reduce your risk. Here’s how to secure your smart home devices in 9 easy steps. Here are the best smart home cybersecurity tips that you need to know.
1. Secure Your Home Network Foundation
Before you secure individual smart devices, you need to start with your home network. The router is the central point of communication between your devices and the outside internet, and if compromised, it can expose every connected device in your household.
Why Your Router Matters
In almost every smart home security assessment, router configuration is one of the most common weak points we identify. A poorly secured router gives attackers a direct path into your home network, where they can access devices like security cameras, smart locks, and baby monitors without your knowledge. Using a VPN is also a good way to protect your router and home devices.
Change Default Credentials
The first step is to change the default administrator username and password on your router. These defaults are widely known and often published online, making them easy targets for automated attacks. Use a strong, unique password that isn’t tied to other accounts.
Keep Firmware Updated
Next, check that your router’s firmware is up to date. Firmware updates patch known vulnerabilities and improve overall security. While newer routers often update automatically, older models may require you to manually download updates from the manufacturer’s website or log into the router’s settings panel.
Use Strong Encryption (WPA3)
If supported by your router, enable WPA3 encryption. WPA3 is currently the most secure protocol available for home Wi-Fi networks. It protects against brute-force attacks and secures your data in transit. If WPA3 isn’t an option, WPA2 is still acceptable, but avoid using WEP under any circumstances as it is outdated and easily cracked.
Disable Remote Management
Unless you specifically need to manage your router from outside your home, disable remote access features. These functions are rarely necessary for the average user and only create additional risk. You can usually find this setting in your router’s advanced configuration menu.
2. Create a Dedicated IoT Network
One of the simplest and most effective ways to improve smart home security is to segment your network. This involves creating a dedicated network solely for your internet-connected devices, separate from the one you use for personal activities.
Why Network Segmentation Matters
Most smart home devices don’t require access to your personal files, email, or banking information. Keeping them isolated from your main network prevents compromised devices from serving as gateways to your sensitive data. If a hacker gains access to one IoT device, they’re far less likely to reach your laptops, phones, or workstations when these are hosted on a different network.
Use Your Router’s Guest Network Feature
Many modern routers offer the ability to create a guest network. This feature was originally designed for visitors, but it works perfectly as a separate space for smart home devices. Once enabled, connect all of your IoT products, such as smart plugs, voice assistants, and cameras, to this guest network.
Use Unique Names and Passwords
To avoid confusion and reduce risk, assign this IoT network a unique name and strong password that differs from your primary network credentials. This extra step ensures that even if someone gains access to your IoT devices, they won’t automatically have access to the rest of your digital life.
Consider a Mesh Network for Large Homes
If your home has many devices or covers a large area, a mesh network may be more effective. Some systems support multiple isolated networks under one umbrella, such as is offered by making it easier to manage coverage and security. Brands like Eero, Google Nest WiFi, and others often include advanced network management tools ideal for handling IoT segmentation.
3. Change Default Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication
One of the most common ways hackers gain access to smart devices is through factory-set passwords. These default credentials are often identical across large batches of devices and can be easily found on public forums and hacker websites.
Why Default Passwords Are a Major Risk
Many smart home devices arrive with simple login credentials like “admin” or “123456.” If you don’t change them, anyone who knows the device model can potentially access it, sometimes without needing any hacking skills at all. This is especially dangerous for cameras, locks, and voice assistants that control or monitor your home.
Set Strong, Unique Passwords for Every Device
As soon as you install a new smart device, change the default password to one that is long, complex, and unique. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple devices. A password manager makes this process easier by securely storing and generating strong passwords for you.
Don’t Use Personal Information
While it may be tempting to use your dog’s name or your child’s birthday, this kind of information is often easy to guess. Instead, use passphrases or randomized strings that are harder to crack.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Whenever the manufacturer allows it, turn on two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code sent to your phone or email before access is granted. Even if a hacker steals your password, they won’t be able to log in without the secondary code.
Prioritize Devices That Interact With Children
Devices like baby monitors, smart toys, and voice assistants deserve special attention. These products often record audio or video and are located in bedrooms or family rooms. In our work with families, we’ve seen that these devices are among the most frequently targeted, particularly when left unsecured. Always assign them the strongest passwords and enable 2FA if available.
4. Keep Firmware Updated Across All Devices
Firmware updates play a critical role in smart home security. These software patches often include fixes for known vulnerabilities, many of which are actively exploited by hackers once publicized.
Why Firmware Updates Matter
Unlike operating system updates on your phone or computer, firmware updates for smart home devices are often less visible, and more likely to be neglected. However, they are just as important. A single outdated security camera, smart thermostat, or door lock can provide a hacker with a direct entry point into your network.
Which Devices Need Regular Updates?
Many homeowners are surprised to find out that nearly all smart devices require firmware updates. This includes:
- Video doorbells
- Smart thermostats
- Baby monitors
- Smart plugs and outlets
- Connected kitchen appliances
- Security systems and indoor/outdoor cameras
If it connects to your Wi-Fi, it likely needs occasional firmware attention.
How to Stay on Top of Updates
To keep your devices protected:
- Check each device’s companion app or website once a month for updates
- Enable automatic updates whenever available
- Set calendar reminders for manual updates on older models
- Replace devices that are no longer supported by the manufacturer
Prioritize High-Risk Devices
Give extra attention to devices that offer access to your home’s interior, like video doorbells and indoor security cameras.
Products such as the Ring 8-Piece Home Security System often update automatically, but it’s essential to verify that the auto-update feature is active and functioning properly.
Keeping firmware current is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to secure your connected home from preventable threats.
5. Disable Unnecessary Features and Services
Most smart devices are shipped with a variety of features activated by default—many of which you may never use. These extra functions can open the door to unexpected privacy and security issues if left enabled.
Why Unused Features Increase Risk
Every feature that remains active presents a potential entry point for unauthorized access. Features like remote access, voice control, and automated routines can make your life easier but also widen your attack surface if not carefully managed.
We regularly advise homeowners to conduct a feature audit for every connected device. Turning off what you don’t need not only improves security but often boosts device performance.
Adjusting Remote Access Settings
If you rarely access your cameras, lights, or thermostats remotely, consider disabling those functions until they’re truly necessary. Remote viewing options, particularly for indoor security cameras, are frequently targeted by hackers because they provide direct access to your home’s interior.
Securing Voice Assistants in Family Homes
Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Home are especially common in households with children, but they can come with unexpected risks. For example, purchasing capabilities are often enabled by default, allowing children to place orders with a simple voice command.
To reduce the chance of unauthorized purchases:
- Disable voice purchasing entirely
- Add a PIN code for transaction approval
- Limit device access to guest accounts with fewer permissions
Mute or Limit Always-On Microphones
Smart speakers and displays with always-on microphones may listen for wake words continuously, but that also means they’re listening in private spaces.
In areas like bedrooms or children’s rooms, consider muting the microphone when the device isn’t in active use.
Taking a few minutes to customize these settings can make a significant difference in protecting your home and personal information.
6. Monitor Network Traffic and Device Behavior
Monitoring your network is one of the most effective ways to catch early signs of unauthorized access. Many smart home breaches are first discovered through unexpected network activity rather than visible device malfunctions.
Why Monitoring Matters
Every connected device on your network sends and receives data. When a device begins behaving differently, such as uploading large amounts of data or making frequent connections to unknown servers, it may be a sign of compromise. Recognizing these patterns can help you act before any serious harm is done.
Tools That Help You Stay Aware
Most modern routers include built-in dashboards where you can view all connected devices and their real-time data usage. Take time to familiarize yourself with these tools, especially if you’ve never checked them before.
For more detailed oversight, consider installing a dedicated network security app or subscribing to a service that alerts you to suspicious activity. Some home security systems, such as those by eero or Google Nest, also include basic network monitoring features.
What to Watch For
Look for devices that show spikes in data transfer, connect to unfamiliar IP addresses, or become active during periods when your household is inactive—such as late at night. These red flags often indicate either malware activity or unauthorized remote access.
Pay Extra Attention to Child-Focused Devices
Devices designed for children, such as smart toys, baby monitors, and educational tablets, often have less stringent security protocols. We’ve seen several instances where these devices communicated with third-party servers without alerting the user or providing proper disclosures.
For parents, it’s especially important to monitor the data behavior of any device placed in a child’s bedroom or playroom. If something seems off, disconnect the device and contact the manufacturer for more details on its server connections and data handling practices.
By actively monitoring your network, you’ll gain better insight into your home’s digital environment, and significantly reduce the window of opportunity for cyber intrusions.
7. Purchase Devices from Reputable Manufacturers
Selecting the right smart devices begins with choosing manufacturers that take security seriously. While low-cost options might seem appealing at first, they often come with hidden risks that can compromise the safety and privacy of your home.
The Hidden Costs of Cheap Devices
Budget-friendly smart home products frequently cut corners in areas that matter most: data security, firmware maintenance, and user privacy.
Many of these products do not receive regular updates, use outdated encryption methods, or fail to provide transparent policies on how your data is collected and used.
This lack of oversight increases the risk that your devices could be exploited by hackers or remain vulnerable long after a security flaw is discovered.
Why Brand Reputation Matters
Reputable manufacturers consistently provide stronger protections and better long-term value. Based on our experience working with families to secure their homes, we’ve found that trusted brands:
- Maintain predictable and frequent firmware updates
- Build devices with secure encryption protocols and authentication methods
- Clearly explain how user data is handled
- Issue timely patches when new vulnerabilities are discovered
These practices create a more reliable foundation for your smart home setup.
How to Evaluate a Manufacturer
Before purchasing any smart device, look into the manufacturer’s track record. Search for past vulnerabilities and see how the company responded. Did they fix the issue quickly? Was it communicated clearly to users?
Also, check if the brand supports older models or abandons them quickly once new versions are released.
You can usually find this information on tech forums, independent product reviews, or by searching the device’s model name alongside the word “firmware update” or “security flaw.”
Focus on Critical Devices First
Not all devices carry the same level of risk. For essential security components such as smart locks, indoor and outdoor cameras, or full alarm systems, prioritize manufacturers that specialize in home security. Companies like Ring, Arlo, and Eufy are examples of brands that provide stronger protections and regular update schedules.
Products featured in Batten’s Cyber Security collection have been evaluated for their security architecture, support policies, and reliability, making them a safer place to start your search.
Making smart choices at the purchase stage means fewer risks to manage later. Prioritize security now, and you’ll thank yourself when your home remains protected and private.
8. Secure Smart Devices When Moving or Reselling
It’s also critical to manage your devices properly when you’re relocating, upgrading, or handing them off to someone else. Failing to fully disconnect a smart device from your accounts or network could leave your personal information exposed, even after you’ve moved on.
Why Post-Use Security Matters
Many smart devices retain data even after they’ve been unplugged. If left behind or resold without a proper reset, they could give the new owner access to sensitive content like video recordings, device schedules, or even home access credentials. In some cases, if you reuse passwords on new devices, an old one could still provide a gateway into your network.
Steps to Take Before Leaving or Selling
Before moving out or passing a smart device to someone else, always follow these steps:
First, perform a full factory reset using the manufacturer’s instructions. This ensures that any personal settings, connected accounts, and saved data are completely wiped from the device.
Next, remove the device from your account on the manufacturer’s app or web portal. This prevents it from being linked back to your cloud-based controls or accessing data through app-connected features.
Change passwords for any accounts that were linked to the device, especially if those credentials are reused elsewhere in your smart home setup.
Lastly, if the device stored any local data, such as video clips or activity logs, be sure to download anything you need and then delete it before transferring ownership.
Additional Tips for Device Transfers
If you’re donating or selling smart home equipment, include a short guide for the new owner on how to set it up securely, including changing default passwords and enabling two-factor authentication
This not only helps the next user but also reduces the chance that the device might be exploited if it remains improperly configured.
Handling smart device transfers with the same care as setup ensures your home, data, and privacy remain protected, even after the device leaves your hands.
9. Educate Family Members About Smart Home Security
Even the most advanced security system can be undone by human error. We’ve worked with many households where a single lapse, like sharing a password or connecting a new device without proper setup, created a vulnerability. That’s why education is just as important as technology when it comes to smart home security.
The Risk of Uninformed Use
A well-secured home can still be compromised if household members don’t understand how to use connected devices safely. Children might innocently give voice commands that override safeguards.
Guests could inadvertently access sensitive areas of your network if shared passwords aren’t managed properly. In many cases, we’ve seen tech-savvy teenagers change device settings without realizing the implications for the rest of the system.
Start With the Basics
All family members who interact with smart devices should understand a few core principles. Emphasize the importance of keeping your Wi-Fi password private, even from frequent visitors. Let your household know which devices guests are allowed to use and when it’s appropriate to offer access.
Make sure everyone knows how to spot suspicious activity, such as a smart speaker activating unexpectedly or a camera moving without command, and to report it immediately.
Set Rules for Device Management
If your children are old enough to install apps, modify settings, or add new devices, it’s important to have clear household rules. Define who is authorized to make changes to your network or devices, and require approval before connecting anything new.
This helps maintain a consistent level of security across the system and prevents unintended vulnerabilities.
You can also take this opportunity to talk about account safety. Encourage your family to avoid linking smart home apps to social media profiles, which can expose private data or create entry points for hackers.
Build a Security-Aware Household
Ultimately, maintaining smart home security is a shared responsibility. When everyone in the household understands how their actions impact overall safety, your home becomes much harder to compromise. A few conversations and clear rules can go a long way in protecting your family’s privacy and peace of mind.
Ready to Enhance Your Home’s Cyber Security?
Creating a secure smart home doesn’t mean sacrificing convenience or avoiding technology altogether. By implementing these practical security measures, your family can enjoy the benefits of connected living while maintaining appropriate privacy and protection.
Many of the homeowners we work with find that once these security practices become routine, they add minimal overhead to daily life while providing significant peace of mind. Starting with the most critical devices, such as security systems, cameras, and anything that interacts with your children, can help make the process manageable.
Remember that smart home security isn’t a one-time setup but an ongoing process. As you add devices and manufacturers release updates, periodic security reviews will help ensure your connected home remains protected.
Looking for expert-recommended smart home security solutions? Browse Batten’s curated collection of cyber security products to find trusted, secure devices that protect what matters most—your family and home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Update Smart Device Firmware?
Check for firmware updates monthly. Enable auto-updates when possible or set reminders for manual checks.
Can Hackers Access My IoT Devices Without My Wi-Fi Password?
Yes. If default passwords are unchanged or if phishing provides login credentials, hackers can bypass network protections.
Should I Avoid All Wi-Fi Baby Monitors?
Not necessarily. Choose monitors from reputable brands with strong encryption, two-factor authentication, and clear privacy policies.
What Is a Mesh Network, and Do I Need One?
A mesh network extends Wi-Fi coverage and allows advanced controls, ideal for large homes with many connected devices.
Is It Safe to Buy Used Smart Home Devices?
Only if you fully factory reset them, unlink all accounts, and verify the manufacturer still provides security updates.
Sources
- Parks: Average U.S. Internet Home Had 17 Connected Devices in 2023
- iBaby’s smart baby monitor cameras are vulnerable to hacks | Vox
- We hired ethical hackers to hack a family’s smart home — here’s how it turned out | CBC News
- Somebody’s Watching: Hackers Breach Ring Home Security Cameras – The New York Times
- Parents say baby monitor was hacked, someone talked to child
- Zscaler ThreatLabz 2023 Enterprise IoT and OT Threat Report | Zscaler
- The 2024 IoT Security Landscape Report – NETGEAR
- Cybersecurity Consulting Services | IBM
- 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report | Verizon