Experts Warn Smart Home Devices Are Vulnerable to Hacking Due to Poor Security Practices

As homes become smarter with Wi-Fi-connected TVs, speakers, thermostats, lights, and voice assistants controlled via apps, they introduce new cybersecurity risks. While such hacks remain uncommon, experts say they’re entirely feasible because many inexpensive smart devices prioritize ease of use over security. Consumers often leave default passwords unchanged or fail to apply firmware updates, making devices easy targets for automated internet scans by attackers. Cybersecurity specialist Dr. Manny Niri from Oxford Brookes University notes that these vulnerabilities allow silent intrusions, like viewing camera feeds unnoticed, as seen in a recent South Korean case where over 120,000 home and business cameras were compromised, leading to arrests. Ethical hacker Glenn Wilkinson compares device security to padlocks, urging better ‘locks’ through stronger habits. Hackers typically exploit either the devices themselves—small computers with hackable software—or associated cloud services, apps, and account credentials. Once inside one device, attackers may pivot to others on the home network, potentially spying via cameras, stealing data, or hijacking bandwidth for crimes. Consequences range from privacy invasions to device control for harassment or worse. However, experts emphasize that targeted home hacks are rare compared to broader threats like phishing. High-risk items include internet-exposed cameras and low-cost generic IoT gadgets. Protection tips include using unique strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, updating firmware regularly, disabling unnecessary remote access, and isolating smart devices on a separate Wi-Fi network from personal computers and phones. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre echoes concerns about growing reliance on smart tech creating opportunities for criminals.