9 Surprising Gadgets in Your Home That Hackers Can Exploit
As a tech guy, I love collecting gadgets for around the house. There’s something out there that can make your life easier in just about every way, from robot vacuums to smart bulbs. However, have you ever thought that your beloved smart speaker, or the robot vacuum humming down the hallway, could be a weak point for hackers? Most of us buy home gadgets for comfort or convenience, but many everyday devices come with hidden security risks. Learning which devices are vulnerable (and how hackers can get in) can help you protect your privacy, data, and peace of mind. That said, here are nine such devices that could allow hackers into your home.
1. Smart Light Bulbs and Fixtures
Smart bulbs are more than mood lighting; they can be an entry point for hackers. Researchers have found that smart bulbs (especially those using Zigbee, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth) often have weak authentication or insecure firmware, which attackers can exploit to gain deeper access to your network. For example, a recent security audit of a popular smart bulb showed vulnerabilities that allowed a nearby attacker to take over not only that bulb, but also linked devices, and potentially see your Wi-Fi password. If you use smart lighting, change default credentials, keep firmware current, and consider putting such bulbs on a separate guest or IoT network.
2. Smart Plugs and Outlets
Smart plugs are everywhere, letting you control lamps, fans, and even appliances via phone. But when they’re poorly secured, they can open a backdoor into your home network. Belkin, among others, had models with vulnerabilities that allowed hackers to gain access to the local network through a smart plug. Always update firmware and disable features you don’t need. Using unique passwords for each gadget helps, too, so one compromised plug doesn’t compromise everything.
3. Home Routers
Your router is essentially the gatekeeper for all devices connected to your Wi-Fi. If it’s cheap, outdated, or using default settings, hackers can exploit firmware flaws or weak administrative passwords to gain root access. Recently, routers from TP-Link with end-of-life firmware were found vulnerable to botnets and remote exploits, putting Microsoft 365 accounts and others at risk. Be sure your router’s firmware is updated, disable remote management if you don’t need it, and use WPA3 (or WPA2 at minimum) with a strong password.
4. Webcams and Doorbell Cameras
These devices provide convenience and peace of mind, but they also offer a direct line into your life. Weak cloud security, unchanged default credentials, and open access points can allow hackers to view video feeds or even gain access to your network. If you have webcams or video doorbells, be sure to change the default username/password, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if available, and make sure firmware updates are installed promptly.
5. Smart Speakers & Voice Assistants
“Alexa, turn off the lights.” These voice commands are amazing… until someone exploits the always-listening nature of voice assistants. Studies have shown that some assistants accept commands even when no one is physically present, leading to fake orders, unlocking doors, or activating devices you don’t want. Make sure your assistant has proper access controls, disable features like voice purchasing if you don’t use them, and set voice recognition or PINs where possible.
6. Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats make heating/cooling your home more efficient, but many connect to the cloud or apps with weak security. A vulnerable thermostat could expose your schedule, let attackers know when the home is empty, or give them a foothold into your network. Always keep apps updated, use secure Wi-Fi encryption, and only give necessary permissions. Consider isolating such gadgets on a different network segment.
7. Robot Vacuums & Appliances
Yes, your Roomba or smart dishwasher might be spying more than cleaning. One case involved robot vacuums being hijacked to chase pets or spew slurs through speakers. Flaws in Bluetooth or credential stuffing made that possible. Appliances that connect to Wi-Fi often have less oversight for security, making them ideal targets. Always change default settings, use strong passwords, and disconnect devices when not using remote access.
8. Printers and Multi-Function Devices
Often overlooked, printers are frequently connected to your network and can store sensitive documents. Weak admin interfaces or outdated drivers can allow hackers to access stored files, inject malicious firmware, or even turn printers into parts of botnets. If you print private documents, secure the admin panel, update drivers regularly, and disable features like remote printing if you don’t need them.
9. Smart Toys & Kid Robots
Toys that connect to apps, microphones, and cameras are especially risky because they may collect personal data and may not follow strong privacy/security standards. One example: a toy robot with a wide-angle camera and a microphone was found to allow remote account takeovers, exposing personal details and letting unauthorized users access feeds. Parents should treat smart toys like any other IoT device. Check permissions, change default credentials, monitor for updates, and consider isolating them on a guest network.
Secure Smart Living Starts With Awareness
Smart gadgets can make life easier, but ignoring security details turns convenience into risk. By staying alert, updating firmware, using strong and unique passwords, limiting unnecessary permissions, and segmenting your network, you’re doing more than just securing gadgets; you’re protecting your digital and physical privacy.
What do you think? Have you checked all home gadgets in your space lately for vulnerabilities, or discovered a weird behavior that seemed sketchy? Tell us in the comments what gadget surprised you most, or any tips you’ve used to lock things down.
