Smart Home Security: How to Protect Connected Devices

What Is Smart Home Security?

Smart home security is the combination of products, settings, and everyday habits used to protect connected household technology.
It includes more than alarm systems and security cameras.

A complete approach considers:

• Smart devices and their firmware
• Mobile applications
• Manufacturer accounts
• Voice assistants
• Home Wi-Fi and other local networks
• Cloud services
• Automations and remote access
• Personal information collected by devices

A smart device may continue working for years after installation.
Its security still depends on the manufacturer providing updates and maintaining the associated app or cloud service.

If you are new to connected technology, begin with our guide explaining
what home automation is and how it works.

Common Smart Home Security Risks

Not every connected product presents the same level of risk.
A smart bulb and an internet-connected door lock have different functions and consequences.
However, several problems can affect many types of devices.

Default or Reused Passwords

A default password may be publicly known.
A reused password can expose several accounts when one service experiences a data breach.

Outdated Software

Old firmware and applications may contain security weaknesses that have already been corrected in newer versions.
Devices that no longer receive updates require additional attention.

Unprotected Accounts

A weak manufacturer account may allow someone to view device information, change settings, or access stored recordings.

Excessive Data Collection

Some products collect usage, location, voice, video, contact, or diagnostic information.
Users may not always realize which data leaves the home.

Unnecessary Remote Access

Cloud access allows convenient control from outside the home.
It also creates another account and service that must be protected.

Poorly Secured Home Networks

An outdated router, weak Wi-Fi password, or unsafe configuration can affect every connected device in the home.

Abandoned Products

A manufacturer may discontinue a product, app, cloud service, or security-update program.
The physical device may still operate while becoming increasingly difficult to use safely.

Check Security Before Buying a Smart Device

Smart home security begins before installation.
Compare the security and support policies of a product along with its price and features.

Before purchasing, look for:

• A clear security-update policy
• An expected support period
• Automatic or simple manual updates
• Multi-factor authentication for the account
• A published privacy policy
• Information about stored and shared data
• A way to report security problems
• Instructions for deleting an account
• A complete factory-reset procedure
• Continued basic operation during an internet outage

Be cautious when a product has no identifiable manufacturer, support website, update information, or privacy documentation.
A very low purchase price may not include long-term software support.

Check whether essential features require a subscription.
Also determine what happens to recordings, automations, and remote access if the subscription ends.

NIST’s
consumer IoT cybersecurity resources
describe security capabilities that are relevant across connected consumer products.

Secure the Home Router

The router connects many smart devices to the local network and the internet.
Its security has a direct effect on the rest of the home.

Change Administrative Credentials

Do not leave the router’s administrative password at a known or predictable default.
Create a unique password that is not used for Wi-Fi access or another account.

Update the Router

Check whether the router installs firmware updates automatically.
If it does not, review the manufacturer’s update process regularly.

A router that no longer receives security updates should be evaluated for replacement.
Do not assume that it remains safe simply because the internet connection still works.

Use Current Wi-Fi Protection

Use the strongest security mode supported by both the router and your devices.
WPA3 may be available on newer equipment.
WPA2 with appropriate encryption may still be required for older devices.

Avoid obsolete or unprotected Wi-Fi modes.
Do not remove wireless security merely to connect an old smart device.

Choose a Strong Wi-Fi Password

Use a long and unique wireless password.
Do not publish it or share it unnecessarily.

A guest network can provide visitors with internet access without giving them the primary household Wi-Fi credentials.
Actual isolation features vary between routers.

Review Unnecessary Router Features

Remote router administration, automatic port forwarding, and other advanced features may not be needed in every home.
Disable features you do not understand or use when the manufacturer’s instructions support doing so.

Do not make random configuration changes copied from another router model.
Names and functions differ between manufacturers.
Preserve a record of the original settings before making changes.

Use Strong and Unique Passwords

Every important smart home account should have its own password.
This includes accounts for cameras, alarms, locks, routers, voice assistants, and automation platforms.

A safer password should be:

• Long enough to resist guessing
• Unique to one account
• Unrelated to the device name or home address
• Stored securely
• Changed if exposure is suspected

A reputable password manager can create and store unique passwords.
This is safer than making small variations of one password for every service.

Change default device credentials during initial setup.
If an app never asks you to create or change a device password, review its documentation to understand how access is protected.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication adds another verification step after the password.
It can reduce the chance that a stolen password alone will provide account access.

Enable it for smart home platforms and manufacturer accounts whenever it is available.
Give priority to services controlling:

• Security cameras
• Video doorbells
• Smart locks
• Garage doors and gates
• Alarm systems
• Voice assistants
• Whole-home automation

An authenticator application or hardware security key may provide stronger protection than text messages when supported.
However, any available second factor is generally better than relying on a password alone.

Store account-recovery codes securely.
Make sure recovery email addresses and telephone numbers remain current.

Keep Devices, Hubs and Apps Updated

Security updates can correct known vulnerabilities.
Updates may apply to the device, hub, bridge, router, mobile application, or operating system.

For every product:

• Enable automatic updates when appropriate.
• Check that updates complete successfully.
• Keep the controlling phone or tablet updated.
• Use official applications and download sources.
• Review manufacturer security notices.
• Restart equipment after an update when instructed.

Do not interrupt power while firmware is being installed unless the manufacturer directs you to do so.
An incomplete update can make a device unusable.

If a device behaves differently after an update, check its permissions, automations, and privacy settings.
Some settings may change when new features are introduced.

Consider a Separate Network for Smart Devices

Some routers can place smart devices on a guest, IoT, or isolated network.
This may limit their ability to communicate with personal computers and storage devices.

Network separation is not identical on every router.
Some guest networks only separate visitors from local devices.
Others apply stronger isolation.

Before moving devices, check whether they need local communication with:

• A smart home hub
• A phone or tablet
• A streaming device
• A voice assistant
• A local automation server
• Other smart products

A device may fail to pair or operate if network isolation blocks required traffic.
Follow the router and device instructions.
Advanced network configuration may require professional assistance.

Network separation can reduce some risks, but it does not replace updates, unique passwords, and protected accounts.

Review Smart Home Privacy Settings

Security controls who can access a system.
Privacy concerns how information is collected, used, retained, and shared.
The two subjects overlap but are not identical.

Review permissions for:

• Microphone access
• Camera access
• Precise location
• Contacts
• Local network discovery
• Bluetooth
• Advertising or analytics
• Voice and video history

Disable permissions that are not required for the features you use.
A weather device may need a general location but not permanent access to contacts or photographs.

Review who can access the household account.
Remove former residents, guests, installers, and old family accounts when they no longer need access.

Check whether recordings and activity history can be deleted automatically.
Understand whether deletion removes local data, cloud data, or both.

Protect Cameras, Doorbells and Microphones

Cameras and microphones can collect particularly sensitive information.
Place them only where their benefits justify the privacy impact.

Use the following precautions:

• Enable multi-factor authentication.
• Use a unique account password.
• Install firmware and app updates.
• Review shared users regularly.
• Disable public sharing unless it is intentionally required.
• Check recording and retention settings.
• Use privacy zones when available.
• Turn off unnecessary microphones.
• Avoid exposing private neighboring areas.

Indoor cameras require careful placement.
Avoid private locations where residents or guests reasonably expect not to be recorded.
Comply with applicable privacy and recording laws.

Do not assume that an indicator light proves a camera or microphone is inactive.
Use the manufacturer’s privacy controls or a physical shutter when available and appropriate.

Secure Automations and Remote Access

Automations can connect several devices and make one action trigger another.
This creates convenience, but a poorly planned routine may have unexpected consequences.

Review automations involving locks, doors, alarms, heating, high-power appliances, and occupancy information.
Consider what happens when:

• The internet connection fails
• The hub loses power
• A sensor produces a false reading
• A household member loses a phone
• An account is locked
• A cloud service becomes unavailable

Safety-critical devices should retain the operation required by their manufacturer and applicable rules.
Do not use an ordinary smart plug to control equipment that must remain continuously powered.

Remote access should be enabled only where it provides a clear benefit.
Avoid exposing device administration pages directly to the internet.
Use the manufacturer’s supported access method or seek qualified technical help.

When planning connected lights, see our
smart home lighting guide
for information about switches, bulbs, sensors, hubs, and automation.

Maintain a Smart Device Inventory

It is difficult to protect devices you have forgotten.
Keep a simple inventory of connected products.

Record:

• Device name and category
• Manufacturer and model
• Installation location
• Associated application
• Account owner
• Purchase or installation date
• Update method
• Expected support period
• Factory-reset instructions

Do not store passwords in an unprotected inventory document.
Keep them in a password manager instead.

Review the list several times a year.
Remove devices that are broken, unused, unsupported, or no longer associated with a current household member.

Replace or Isolate Unsupported Devices

A device may reach the end of its support period while continuing to perform its basic function.
This does not mean it should remain connected indefinitely.

Warning signs include:

• The manufacturer no longer provides updates.
• The application has disappeared from official stores.
• The company or cloud service has closed.
• Security documentation is no longer available.
• The device requires an outdated Wi-Fi security mode.
• Known security problems remain unresolved.

Options may include removing internet access, moving the device to an isolated network, using it only through supported local control, or replacing it.
The appropriate response depends on the device and its risk.

An unsupported decorative light presents different consequences from an unsupported lock, camera, or alarm component.
Prioritize products that control physical access or collect sensitive data.

Reset Devices Before Selling, Recycling or Moving

Smart devices can retain account associations, Wi-Fi credentials, recordings, schedules, and personal settings.
A normal power cycle does not erase this information.

Before transferring a device:

1. Download any information you need to keep.
2. Remove the device from automations and household groups.
3. Delete stored recordings when appropriate.
4. Remove other users and shared access.
5. Unlink third-party services.
6. Perform the documented factory reset.
7. Remove the product from the manufacturer account.
8. Confirm that it no longer appears in the app.

Follow appropriate recycling rules for products containing batteries or electronic components.
Do not place lithium batteries in ordinary household waste where local rules prohibit it.

When moving out of a home, transfer permanently installed devices through the manufacturer’s supported ownership process.
Do not give a buyer your personal account credentials.

What to Do If a Smart Device May Be Compromised

Unexpected behavior does not always indicate an attack.
It can result from an automation, shared user, update, power interruption, or device failure.
However, unusual activity should be investigated.

Possible warning signs include:

• Unknown account logins
• Settings changing without explanation
• New users or devices appearing in the app
• A camera moving or activating unexpectedly
• Unrecognized voice or automation history
• Repeated password-reset messages
• Unusual network activity

If compromise is suspected:

1. Protect personal safety first.
2. Disconnect the affected device if this can be done safely.
3. Change the associated account password from a trusted device.
4. Enable or reset multi-factor authentication.
5. Sign out other sessions when the service provides that option.
6. Review users, integrations, and automations.
7. Update the device, app, router, and controlling phone.
8. Contact the manufacturer’s official support service.
9. Factory-reset the device when recommended.

Also change any other account that used the same password.
Review email security because email is commonly used for account recovery.

If a lock, alarm, garage door, or camera is involved, consider the possible physical-security consequences.
Contact the appropriate service provider or authorities when personal safety is at risk.

Smart Home Security Checklist

• Buy products from manufacturers with clear support policies.
• Check the expected security-update period.
• Change all default passwords.
• Use a unique password for every important account.
• Enable multi-factor authentication.
• Keep the router, devices, hubs, and apps updated.
• Use current Wi-Fi security.
• Disable unnecessary remote access.
• Review device and application permissions.
• Remove users who no longer need access.
• Review camera and microphone settings.
• Check stored recordings and retention periods.
• Maintain an inventory of connected products.
• Replace or isolate unsupported devices.
• Review safety-sensitive automations.
• Factory-reset devices before transfer or disposal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important smart home security step?

There is no single step that protects every device.
Unique passwords, multi-factor authentication, updates, and a secure router form a strong foundation.

Should smart devices use a separate Wi-Fi network?

A separate IoT or guest network may limit communication with personal computers and storage devices.
Its effectiveness and compatibility depend on the router and smart home platform.

Are smart home devices safe to use?

Risk varies by product, manufacturer, configuration, and support period.
Choose well-supported devices and review their security and privacy settings before use.

Does Matter make smart devices completely secure?

No technology can guarantee complete security.
Matter includes security mechanisms for compatible-device communication and commissioning.
Manufacturer accounts, cloud services, apps, routers, and user settings still require protection.

Do Thread devices need security updates?

Yes.
Thread describes a networking technology, but the complete product still contains software and may use a hub, border router, app, or cloud service.
These components require appropriate security support.

Should I disable remote access?

Disable it if you do not need it.
If remote control is useful, protect the associated account with a unique password and multi-factor authentication.

How often should smart home passwords be changed?

A strong unique password does not need to be changed on an arbitrary schedule.
Change it when exposure is suspected, the service reports an incident, or the password was reused elsewhere.

What should I do with an unsupported smart device?

Evaluate its function and risk.
You may be able to remove internet access or isolate it, but sensitive devices such as cameras and locks may need replacement.

Can a smart bulb create a security risk?

Any connected device can introduce some risk.
The consequences may be lower than those associated with a camera or lock, but the bulb and its controlling account should still receive updates and use secure settings.

How can I protect a smart camera?

Use a unique password, enable multi-factor authentication, install updates, review shared users, and control recording access.
Place the camera only where its use is appropriate and lawful.

Final Thoughts

Smart home security should be planned throughout the life of every connected product.
Security does not end after the device has been paired and added to an application.

Choose products with clear update policies.
Protect accounts with unique passwords and multi-factor authentication.
Maintain the router, review privacy settings, and remove devices that no longer receive support.

A smart home does not need to be complicated to be safer.
A small number of well-maintained devices is often easier to protect than a large collection of forgotten products and accounts.