Smart home gadgets make life easier, but they also expand your digital attack surface. Cameras, smart locks, thermostats, lights and voice assistants can be convenient — and vulnerable — if not secured properly. A few practical habits protect privacy, reduce the risk of account takeover, and keep your home network resilient.

Why smart home security matters
Many connected devices run minimal operating systems and are shipped with default credentials or outdated firmware. That combination makes them prime targets for automated attacks and botnets that scan networks for weak points. Beyond remote hacking, poorly configured devices can leak sensitive data, record audio or video, or expose home layouts and schedules. Protecting devices protects your privacy, family safety, and the rest of your network.

Five actions to harden smart home devices

1. Change default credentials and use strong passwords
First things first: replace out-of-the-box usernames and passwords.

Use a unique, strong password for each device account and enable a password manager to store them securely.

Where supported, require unique device passwords rather than relying on a single account across multiple gadgets.

2. Keep firmware and apps updated
Manufacturers release firmware and app updates to fix security flaws and improve performance. Enable automatic updates where available and check periodically for improvements if automatic updates aren’t offered. Apply updates promptly for devices with camera, microphone, or network access.

3.

Segment your network

Create a separate guest or IoT network on your router and place all smart devices on that isolated VLAN. This limits the ability of a compromised device to access computers, phones, or network storage. Many modern routers offer easy guest-network setup and device grouping for this purpose.

4.

Minimize unnecessary features and permissions
Turn off features you don’t use: remote access, UPnP, universal plug-and-play, and cloud backups when not needed.

Review app permissions and disable microphone or camera access when a device doesn’t need it. For voice assistants, set preferences to limit voice history storage and opt out of personalized voice data collection if privacy is a priority.

5. Use strong authentication and secure accounts
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on manufacturer accounts and email accounts tied to device management.

Prefer app-based 2FA or hardware security keys over SMS where possible. Keep record of recovery methods and remove unused devices from your account when you sell or dispose of them.

Additional best practices

– Secure your router: Use WPA3 or WPA2 encryption, disable WPS, and change default admin credentials. Place the router firmware on the routine maintenance checklist.
– Consider local control: Devices that support local control (rather than relying exclusively on cloud services) can reduce the amount of data sent off-site and keep control within your home network.
– Audit privacy policies: Review what data manufacturers collect and how they share it.

Choose brands that are transparent about data handling and offer strong privacy settings.
– Physical safety: Place cameras and microphones thoughtfully to avoid capturing sensitive spaces or conversations. Use covers for lenses when cameras are idle and lock physical access to hubs and routers.
– Regular audits: Periodically inventory connected devices, remove forgotten gadgets, and check for inactive accounts. Old devices often lack updates and become vulnerabilities.

Smart home security isn’t a one-time checklist; it’s ongoing maintenance. Small changes — unique passwords, segmented networks, timely updates and prudent privacy settings — can drastically reduce risk while preserving the convenience smart devices bring.

Start with the most privacy-sensitive gadgets, then apply the same standards across the rest of your home network for a safer, smarter living space.