MANCHESTER, N.H. —
New home appliances often come with smart features that can make life easier.
But this convenience can come with cybersecurity risks, according to Steve Blair, data privacy expert at Consumer Reports.
“Your phone connects to the internet, your computer connects to the internet, your TV connects to the internet, your light bulbs connect to the internet, your fridge connects to the internet. From a data perspective, a lot of information is going out of your home, not only from your phone, but from the device itself,” he said.
This data could include your location, contact information, or even videos from your home.
In 2024, Consumer Reports found a vulnerability in a smart doorbell that left information about the video feed exposed to hackers through the internet. The products were recalled, and the FCC fined the manufacturer.
Consumer Reports says that even information that you agree to share might end up somewhere you don’t want it to be.
“They need to make money somehow. And a lot of times that somehow is you, is your data. So, they’re going to sell that data to advertisers, different third-party providers,” Blair said.
Even if a manufacturer doesn’t sell or share your information, it could be stolen in a data breach.
So, should you skip smart devices altogether? It might not be necessary—or even possible—so follow these tips to help protect your privacy.
Install firmware updates for your devices to patch vulnerabilities, keep smart home appliances on a separate Wi-Fi network from computers, and only share information your device needs to function.
“Does a light bulb need to know your birthday? Does a light bulb need to know how old you are?” Blair asked.
The less data you give out, the lower your risk.
For future smart home purchases, make data security a priority. Consumer Reports advises people to look for products from trustworthy brands to prevent data breaches, even if they are a bit more expensive.
