The average home has more connected devices than ever before. In fact, according to a 2025 “How We Home” report released by Vivint, 85 percent of homeowners use at least one smart home device.
As homeowners add more devices, the risk of cybersecurity threats rises with them. Every device running on your network is a potential entry point for hackers and threats.
Douglas Fast Net wants to help you make sure you’ve locked your digital “front door” and keep potential threats at bay. We’ll go over the cybersecurity risks on your home network, which devices are most vulnerable, and how to build a simple protection plan to keep your devices, your data, and your family safe.
What’s at Risk?
Cyberattacks happen when unauthorized users gain access to personal information, login credentials, payment details, or even control of your connected devices. But, there are specific risks and vulnerabilities related to your smart home that you should know about:
- Data breaches happen when personal information, login credentials, payment info stored on or accessible through devices is accessed by unauthorized parties.
- Network intrusion/hacking occurs when a compromised device gives an attacker access to your entire home network, including computers and phones.
- Device hijacking means attackers have taken control of cameras, locks, or thermostats and can monitor your cameras or change settings on your devices.
- Botnets quietly take control of your devices and tell them to attack other networks without your knowledge, essentially making your own devices the weapon.
- Eavesdropping means uninvited and outside parties have gained access to your smart speakers, cameras, and baby monitors and listen or view your home through the devices.
These attacks aren’t just big-city problems. Rural homes are targeted too and may have fewer layers of protection in place. The good news is that a few simple steps can close most of those gaps.
Which Devices Are Most Vulnerable?
Any devices with an IP address (in other words, any device connected to the internet), can be vulnerable to attacks. Bad actors look for devices with consistent, uninterrupted network access, financial information, and audio or visual recordings from inside your home:
- Smart TVs frequently collect viewing data and run third-party apps that may have weak security. Many users never update the firmware, leaving windows open for hacking.
- Video doorbells and security cameras are a high-value target for hijacking because of the obvious privacy implications. These devices are often set up once and forgotten, meaning outdated firmware is common.
- Smart speakers (Alexa, Google Home, etc.) contain always-on microphones that create eavesdropping risks if the device or the account tied to it is compromised. They often also contain forms of payment that are attractive to cybercriminals.
- Smart thermostats are lower risk on their own but still serve as a network entry point if not secured. They may also reveal occupancy patterns when you’re home or away.
- Baby monitors are historically one of the most exploited smart home devices due to weak default security and infrequent updates from smaller manufacturers.
- Smart locks and garage door openers carry obvious physical security risks if compromised, potentially giving an attacker access to your home or vehicle.
- Gaming consoles are online for long hours, often by younger users who may not practice safe account habits, like using strong passwords and two-factor authentication. They often store payment information, making them attractive targets.
- Older or budget smart appliances (refrigerators, washers, etc.) are often built with convenience in mind over security. Manufacturers may not issue updates long-term, leaving known vulnerabilities unpatched.
- And finally, routers are the gateway for everything on your network. If your router is compromised, every device behind it is at risk, and yet default credentials and outdated firmware are extremely common.
Understanding where the risks lie will help you lay a stronger foundation for protection.
Building Your Smart Home Cybersecurity Plan
Keeping your home network safe is simpler than you might think. In fact, a few steps taken now can help secure your network without ongoing manual action or monitoring.
- Purchase Trusted Devices.
When you’re shopping for smart home tech, purchase from recognizable and reputable manufacturers. Established brands are more likely to release regular security updates and have clear privacy policies. If a brand is unfamiliar or the price seems too good to be true, it probably isn’t offering the same level of security as a more established manufacturer.
- Secure your router.
If your router still uses its default username and password, change them immediately. Default credentials are publicly known and easy to exploit. Also, make sure the router firmware is up to date.
- Create a separate network for your smart devices (IoT network).
Most modern routers allow you to create additional WiFi networks, like a guest network. Use this feature to create a new, separate Internet of Things (IoT) network that can be used to isolate smart devices from computers, phones, and tablets that hold sensitive information.
Some smart home ecosystems that use certain hubs or voice assistants, may need to be on the same network as your phone to function fully. Check your device requirements before fully separating everything. Even a partial separation adds a layer of protection.
- Keep device firmware and software updated.
Firmware updates often contain critical security patches along with new features. In the device control app, enable automatic updates where possible. Set a reminder for a few times a year to manually check devices that don’t auto-update.
- Use strong, unique passwords.
Never reuse passwords across devices or accounts. This is a golden rule we reiterate again and again at DFN, but for good reason. When setting up new smart devices and control apps, use unique passwords for each app. A password manager can help you keep track of your accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where available.
This is especially important for accounts tied to cameras, locks, devices with remote access, or apps that contain payment information.
- Audit your network regularly.
Know what devices are connected to your network and remove or disable anything you no longer use. Unfamiliar devices are a red flag worth investigating.
Use the DFN Managed WiFi app to monitor data usage passing through our devices. If a device is using an unusually high amount of data, investigate to make sure it’s not operating on a botnet.
If you do think your home network has been breached, disconnect the suspected device, change your passwords, and report it to the device manufacturer. You can also contact DFN if you suspect your network has been compromised.
A Secure Connected Home
A smarter home should also be a safer home.
DFN helps protect your connected life with Managed WiFi tools, network guidance, and local support from real people right here in your community.
If you’d like help reviewing your home network setup or learning more about available cybersecurity tools, our team is here to help.