Smart home technology has made everyday life more convenient, but the growing number of internet-connected household devices is creating new opportunities for cybercriminals. From smart refrigerators and security cameras to digital assistants and video doorbells, devices designed to make homes safer and more efficient could also expose households to unwanted digital intrusions.
A series of cyberattacks targeting supermarkets and blood banks across Europe has renewed concerns about the security of connected appliances. In some incidents, hackers reportedly manipulated industrial refrigeration systems, putting food supplies and temperature-sensitive medical stock at risk.
Now, cybersecurity experts are warning that ordinary households should also take their digital security seriously. Although commercial infrastructure attacks and home device compromises are not necessarily connected, the underlying vulnerabilities can be similar: weak passwords, outdated software and poorly protected internet connections.
Smart Home Devices Could Become Targets for Cybercriminals
The increasing popularity of smart technology means more household appliances are connected to the internet than ever before.
Smart refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, heating systems and thermostats can now be controlled remotely through mobile applications. Meanwhile, security cameras, baby monitors and virtual assistants allow homeowners to monitor and manage their properties from almost anywhere.
However, every internet-connected device introduces another potential security risk.
Dray Agha, senior manager for tactical response at cybersecurity company Huntress, explained that every device connected to a home network could potentially provide an entry point for attackers.
The concern is particularly relevant when several devices share the same wireless connection and rely on weak or identical passwords.
If criminals gain access to one poorly secured appliance, they may potentially use that access to investigate other devices connected to the same network.
This does not mean every smart appliance is automatically vulnerable. However, inadequate security settings can make otherwise useful technology an attractive target.
Which Smart Devices Are Most Vulnerable to Hacking?
Research from the University of Bradford, published in 2023, highlighted several categories of connected devices with notable security vulnerabilities.
According to the research figures cited in the report:
- Smart TVs: Accounted for 34% of identified vulnerabilities.
- Smart plugs: Represented 18%.
- Digital voice recorders: Accounted for 13%.
These findings illustrate why smart home security should extend beyond computers and smartphones.
Televisions, inexpensive connected plugs and voice-enabled gadgets may appear harmless. Nevertheless, devices with internet access can create security weaknesses when manufacturers fail to provide adequate protection or owners neglect available updates.
Security cameras and smart doorbells also deserve particular attention because they can provide access to sensitive information about household activities.
Recent European Cyberattacks Raise Further Security Concerns
The latest warnings follow a series of reported cyber incidents affecting businesses and essential services across Europe.
Supermarkets in countries including Belgium, Sweden and Ireland experienced attacks involving refrigeration systems, with some businesses reportedly forced to discard food after their equipment was compromised.
In France, attacks affecting blood bank refrigeration systems raised concerns about the storage conditions of essential medical supplies. Reports indicated that temperatures on industrial refrigerators had been increased to dangerously high levels.
At the time of the original report, it remained unclear who was responsible for the incidents or whether the attacks were connected.
Nevertheless, they demonstrated how cyberattacks can extend beyond stolen information and financial fraud.
When attackers gain control of connected equipment, the consequences can affect physical operations, supply chains and public services.
The same general principle applies to smart homes, although the scale and potential impact are different.
A compromised household camera, for example, could expose private footage, while an unsecured smart appliance might provide an entry point into a home network.
How Likely Is It That Hackers Will Target Ordinary Homes?
Many people assume cybercriminals are primarily interested in large companies, government institutions and financial organizations.
However, cybersecurity specialists warn that personal devices are also attractive targets.
Marijus Briedis, chief technology officer at NordVPN, told LADbible that attacks targeting ordinary people and their connected devices are already happening.
He explained that criminals do not necessarily distinguish between valuable corporate systems and everyday households when the same weaknesses can be exploited.
Weak passwords, outdated software and exposed remote-access features can all create opportunities for unauthorized access.
The growing number of connected household devices makes the issue increasingly relevant.
According to figures cited in the report, research by Aviva found that approximately 79% of people in Britain owned at least one smart appliance.
A separate YouGov poll identified voice-controlled speakers and security cameras among the country’s most popular smart devices.
These figures demonstrate how deeply connected technology has become embedded in everyday household routines.
Could a Hacked Smart Appliance Expose Your Personal Computer?
One of the more concerning risks involves the relationship between different devices connected to the same home network.
A poorly protected smart appliance could potentially provide attackers with an initial point of access. Depending on the network configuration and other security weaknesses, criminals might then attempt to reach computers, phones or other connected equipment.
Dray Agha warned that consumer gadgets with inadequate protection can provide an entry point to personal computers sharing the same network.
This is why cybersecurity experts increasingly recommend separating smart home equipment from devices containing sensitive personal information.
For example, keeping a smart refrigerator or connected television on a separate wireless network can help limit the potential damage if one device becomes compromised.
How to Protect Your Smart Home From Cyberattacks
The good news is that homeowners do not necessarily need to abandon smart technology to improve their security.
Cybersecurity specialists recommend several practical measures that can significantly reduce exposure to common attacks.
1. Change Default Passwords Immediately
One of the simplest mistakes is continuing to use the password supplied by a device manufacturer.
Default credentials are sometimes publicly documented, making them relatively easy for attackers to discover.
A reported example from the recent supermarket incidents involved refrigeration equipment allegedly still using the factory password ‘12345’.
Every connected appliance should have a strong, unique password wherever possible.
Avoid predictable combinations, personal information and passwords reused across multiple accounts.
2. Keep Smart Devices and Software Updated
Manufacturers regularly release software and firmware updates to address security weaknesses.
Enabling automatic updates can help ensure that important patches are installed without requiring constant manual checks.
This applies not only to smart appliances but also to mobile applications, wireless routers and other connected equipment.
An older device that no longer receives security updates can become increasingly difficult to protect.
3. Create a Separate Wi-Fi Network for Smart Appliances
One of the most useful recommendations from cybersecurity experts is to separate smart home devices from personal computers and smartphones.
Many modern routers allow users to create a guest wireless network.
Connecting appliances, smart plugs and other household gadgets to this separate network can help prevent a compromised device from providing easy access to more sensitive equipment.
This approach is commonly known as network segmentation.
It adds another layer of protection without requiring homeowners to stop using connected technology.
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA or multi-factor authentication, adds another verification step when someone attempts to access an account.
Even if a criminal obtains a password, the additional authentication requirement can make unauthorized access more difficult.
Whenever a smart device or associated account supports this feature, enabling it is a sensible security measure.
5. Check How Long Your Device Receives Security Support
Not all smart appliances receive software updates indefinitely.
Before purchasing a connected product, check the manufacturer’s security support policy and how long updates are guaranteed.
A device may continue functioning normally even after its security support has ended.
However, without ongoing patches, newly discovered vulnerabilities may remain unresolved.
If an older appliance no longer receives updates, consider whether keeping it connected to the internet is worth the additional risk.
UK Smart Device Security Guidance: What Homeowners Should Know
Official UK government guidance also emphasizes the importance of securing internet-connected products.
The GOV.UK Smart Devices Guide recommends several important precautions, including changing default passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication where available and keeping device software updated.
These recommendations are particularly relevant as connected technology becomes increasingly common in British households.
Consumers should also research security features before purchasing new appliances rather than focusing exclusively on price, convenience and functionality.
A smart device should offer more than useful features. Manufacturers should provide clear information about security support, software updates and account protection.
Smart Technology Is Convenient, but Home Security Must Come First
The growing number of cyberattacks affecting connected infrastructure is a reminder that digital security has become an important part of everyday life.
Smart refrigerators, security cameras, voice assistants and connected appliances offer genuine convenience. However, they also introduce risks that homeowners should understand.
The warnings from cybersecurity experts do not mean people should immediately disconnect every smart device in their homes.
Instead, the priority should be adopting sensible security habits, including unique passwords, regular software updates, two-factor authentication and separate wireless networks for connected appliances.
As more household activities move online, protecting personal devices becomes just as important as securing computers and smartphones.
A few straightforward precautions can make a meaningful difference. Ultimately, the smartest home is not simply the one with the most connected gadgets, but one where convenience and cybersecurity work together.
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