Why Connected Devices Introduce Unique Security Risks

Smart TVs, video doorbells, robotic vacuums, smart speakers — each of these brings convenience, but each also opens a door onto your home network. Unlike laptops or phones that receive frequent security patches and benefit from user attention, many IoT devices run lean software stacks that manufacturers may update infrequently or eventually abandon altogether.

The result is a network that may include dozens of devices with varying — and sometimes very low — security baselines. Attackers who compromise even a single under-secured device can use it as a foothold to probe other devices on the same network. Understanding this landscape is the first step toward addressing it. For a broader look at what data these devices collect in the process, see our guide to smart device data collection.

Not All Routers Offer the Same Controls

The ability to create separate network segments, manage connected devices, or configure firewall rules varies significantly by router model and firmware. If your current router offers limited controls, upgrading to a more capable model — or switching to a mesh system with a dedicated app interface — can meaningfully expand your security options. Check your home internet setup options if you're evaluating a router upgrade.

Core Practices That Reduce Your Exposure

Most meaningful home network security improvements don't require technical expertise — they require consistent habits and a few one-time configuration steps. The practices below are ranked by the breadth of protection they provide.

1

Segment IoT devices onto a separate network or VLAN

Placing smart devices on a dedicated network — most routers allow you to create a separate guest or IoT Wi-Fi band — means that if one device is compromised, an attacker cannot easily pivot to your computers, phones, or financial accounts on the main network. Network segmentation is a foundational principle in enterprise security that applies just as well at home.

Example: Enable your router's guest network, connect all smart home devices to it, and keep personal computers and phones on the primary network. Many modern routers offer this in their app-based interface.
2

Change default usernames and passwords on every device

Factory-default credentials are publicly documented and actively exploited by automated scanning tools. A device left on its default login is effectively unlocked. This applies both to the device itself and to the router or hub managing it.

Example: When setting up a new smart camera, navigate to its settings app, find account or security options, and replace the default password with a unique, strong passphrase before connecting it to Wi-Fi.
3

Enable automatic firmware updates wherever possible

Firmware updates frequently include patches for known security vulnerabilities. Devices running outdated firmware are exposed to exploits that manufacturers have already fixed — but only for users who applied the update. Automating this removes the need to remember manual checks.

Example: In a smart speaker's companion app, look for an 'automatic updates' or 'software update' toggle in the device settings and turn it on. For devices that don't support automatic updates, set a calendar reminder to check quarterly.
4

Disable features you don't actively use

Many connected devices ship with remote access, UPnP, or Telnet enabled by default — capabilities that expand attack surface without providing value to most users. Each unused but enabled feature is an additional vector a bad actor could potentially exploit.

Example: If you don't access your home security camera remotely, disable remote viewing in its settings. This reduces the number of open ports and authenticated sessions associated with that device.
5

Use strong, unique passwords managed with a password manager

Reusing passwords across multiple devices or accounts means a single breach can cascade into many. A password manager generates and stores unique credentials for each device and app, eliminating the temptation to reuse simple passwords.

Example: Use a password manager to generate a 16-character random password for each smart device account. Store login details in the manager rather than writing them on paper or reusing familiar passwords.
6

Review app permissions for each device's companion app

Companion apps often request access to location, contacts, or microphone data that may not be strictly necessary for the device to function. Granting unnecessary permissions extends your data exposure beyond your home network.

Example: Check your phone's app permission settings for each smart home app. Revoke location access for any device where location isn't a core feature — many smart plugs and bulb apps don't require it.

Quick Actions You Can Take Today

If you're not sure where to start, these steps deliver real security value with minimal setup time. Most can be completed in under 30 minutes using your router's admin panel or a device's companion app.

high Log into your router's admin panel and create a separate guest or IoT network for all smart home devices right now.
high Change the default password on any connected device you set up in the last year but haven't updated credentials for.
medium Open the companion app for your most-used smart device and confirm automatic firmware updates are enabled.
medium Review your smartphone's app permissions and revoke any access (location, microphone, contacts) that isn't essential to how you use each smart home app.

For a deeper look at router-level hardening — including disabling UPnP and configuring firewall rules — our home network security guide covers those steps in detail. And if your smart devices are struggling to stay connected in the first place, this article on connectivity drop-offs explains the most common causes.

Staying Secure as Your Smart Home Grows

Security isn't a one-time setup — it's an ongoing practice, especially as you add new devices. Each addition changes your network's profile. Before purchasing a new connected device, it's worth checking whether the manufacturer has a track record of issuing firmware updates and clearly communicating security disclosures.

Understanding how your devices communicate with each other also matters. Smart home ecosystems built on modern standards tend to carry stronger baseline security requirements. Emerging standards like Matter are specifically designed to improve interoperability while incorporating updated security practices — you can read more in our overview of the Matter standard.

Finally, revisit your device list periodically. Remove or factory-reset gadgets you no longer use — a device you've forgotten about is one you're no longer updating.