Essential Tips for Safeguarding Your Home Network Against Smart Device Threats
- Scott Pagel
- Sep 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 29
In our tech-savvy world, smart devices have woven themselves into the fabric of our daily lives. From smart speakers that play your favorite tunes to security cameras that enhance your home’s safety, these gadgets offer incredible convenience. However, this convenience comes with risks as cybercriminals see smart devices as ripe targets. The good news is that you can take simple steps to secure your home network. This blog post presents essential tips to help you safeguard your home and protect your smart devices.
Understand the Risks
Before implementing security measures, it's crucial to understand the specific risks that come with smart devices. Many of these devices connect to the internet and can be accessed remotely. This makes them attractive targets for cyberattacks. By recognizing these vulnerabilities, you can appreciate the importance of network security.
Change Default Passwords
One of the easiest yet most effective ways to enhance your home network security is to change the default passwords on your smart devices. Many devices ship with generic passwords that are easy for hackers to guess.
To secure your devices, create strong, unique passwords using a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. For instance, instead of a weak password like "password123," use something like "Secure@Home2023!" Furthermore, consider employing a password manager to keep your passwords organized and secure.
Enable Network Encryption
Encryption is vital for your network's safety. Ensure that your Wi-Fi is secured with WPA3 encryption, the latest and most robust protocol. If your router doesn't support WPA3, at least use WPA2. WPA2 protects your data from being intercepted. According to the Wi-Fi Alliance, using WPA3 can reduce brute force attacks significantly and safeguard your data.
To enable encryption, access your router's settings via your web browser and navigate to the wireless security section. This small step can greatly enhance your home's security.
Create a Guest Network
If you often have friends and family over, setting up a guest network is a smart choice. This separate network allows visitors to access the internet without intruding on your main network, where your smart devices are connected. For instance, if your main network is compromised, a guest network can protect your devices by keeping them isolated. Most modern routers offer an easy option to set up a guest network.
Keep Software Updated
Keeping the firmware of your smart devices and router updated is crucial for ongoing security. Device manufacturers regularly release updates to patch vulnerabilities.
Set a reminder to check for updates regularly or enable automatic updates if the feature is available on your devices. This simple practice can significantly lessen your risk of falling victim to cyberattacks.
Read our recent blog on software updates: Essential Steps for Effortless Software Updates and Their Importance
Disable Unused Features
Most smart devices come with additional features that you may not use, like remote access or Universal Plug and Play (UPnP). Disabling unused features minimizes potential entry points for attackers. For instance, disabling UPnP can prevent unauthorized devices from communicating with your network. Review each device's settings and switch off any unnecessary features.
Use a Firewall
A firewall serves as a protective barrier between your home network and the internet by monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic. While most routers feature built-in firewall capabilities, you can enhance security further with additional software firewalls. Make sure your router’s firewall is enabled and properly configured to help block unauthorized access attempts.
Monitor Connected Devices
Keeping an eye on devices connected to your home network can help you spot unauthorized access. Most routers provide a list of connected devices in their settings. Be vigilant; if you see unfamiliar devices, it may indicate a breach. If this happens, consider changing your Wi-Fi password and reviewing your security settings.
Educate Your Family
Cybersecurity is a responsibility shared by all family members. Teaching your loved ones about the importance of network security and safe online habits is essential. Discuss common issues, such as recognizing phishing emails, avoiding suspicious links, and using strong passwords. By creating a culture of security awareness, you can collectively strengthen your home network against potential threats.
Consider Using a VPN
Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds an extra layer of security to your home network. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it more challenging for hackers to snoop on your data. Consider employing a reputable VPN service, especially when accessing smart devices remotely.
While these tips are for your home, they also apply to remote offices and small business networks. Read our blog on Zero Trust Security for more information on secure networks for SMBs: Fortify Your Data with Zero Trust Security Principles for SMBs
Safeguarding Your Home Network
A Real-World Example
Over the last few years—especially post-pandemic—we’ve been asked by customers to assess employees’ home networks. We didn’t find sensational “hacked camera” cases; the gaps were architectural. We helped households segment traffic by creating separate SSIDs (or VLANs when supported) so TVs, speakers, and other IoT gear lived on their own network, while work devices sat on a hardened SSID with WPA3/WPA2, UPnP/unused port forwarding disabled, and automatic firmware updates enabled. For customers on Microsoft 365, we paired this with Conditional Access and Intune device compliance so corporate data only syncs to healthy, encrypted devices. The result was a lower risk of lateral movement, fewer help-desk tickets, and noticeably fewer “mystery slowness” complaints from chatty smart devices.
Protecting your home network from smart device threats is increasingly important in our interconnected lives. By following these essential tips, you can significantly lower the risk of unauthorized access and keep your personal information secure.
Stay proactive and vigilant in maintaining your network's security. As technology continues to progress, so should your strategies for protecting your home. With the right precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of smart devices while keeping your home safe from cyber threats.
