Secure Your Smart Home: Protect Cameras, Speakers and More

Why Smart Devices Are a Risk

Many connected gadgets ship with default passwords, rarely get updates, and stay online 24/7. Attackers scan for such devices automatically—to watch, listen, or hijack them for attacks on other targets. An insecure device can also become the gateway to your entire home network.

Before You Buy

• Make sure the manufacturer promises security updates—and for how long.
• Prefer devices that don’t force a cloud account or that offer two‑factor authentication for the companion app.
• Ask yourself whether the device really needs internet access. Some work perfectly fine just on your home network.

When Setting Up

• Change the default password immediately and create a unique one for each device and each app.
• Enable two‑factor authentication in the manufacturer’s app, if it’s available.
• Grant only the permissions the device actually needs—e.g., no location access for a light bulb.
• Turn off features you don’t use, such as remote access or the microphone.

Cameras and Baby Monitors

• Don’t place cameras in bedrooms or bathrooms unless it’s absolutely necessary.
• Check who can view the footage and delete old sharing links.
• Cover the lens or power off the camera when you’re at home and don’t need it.

A Separate Network for Smart Devices

The safest approach is to connect smart gadgets to your router’s guest network. That way they can’t see your computers, phones, or storage. Our Home‑Network Check will walk you through securing the guest network and the router itself, step by step.

Don’t Forget Updates

Enable automatic updates wherever possible, and peek into the apps every few months. If a device stops receiving updates, replace it or unplug it.

Retired Devices

Factory‑reset any device before you sell or discard it, and remove it from your account with the manufacturer. Otherwise, access credentials and data can linger.

On the Go?

If you control your home from a café or hotel Wi‑Fi, a VPN shields the connection from eavesdroppers on the same network.