{
  "id": 12838080,
  "title": "Is your smart home leaking data? 5 easy ways to secure your connected devices",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/is-your-smart-home-leaking-data-5-easy-ways-to-secure-your-connected",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-08T09:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/online-security/is-your-smart-home-leaking-data-5-easy-ways-to-secure-your-connected-devices"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Privacy concerns surrounding smart home devices often center on the idea that unauthorized individuals might be monitoring your home. With the rise of privacy issues, these connected appliances could inadvertently expose your data to potential breaches. Smart devices like thermostats and washing machines rely on IoT technology, allowing them to exchange data with other devices via the internet. However, the type of information collected by these seemingly innocuous appliances could pose privacy risks. For instance, a smart washing machine might gather sensitive data that could be exploited by malicious actors. To safeguard your connected devices, it is crucial to adopt several security measures. First and foremost, refrain from using default passwords like \"admin\" or \"password\" for your router or any smart devices. Instead, employ a strong password manager to generate unique, complex passwords. Avoid using personal information in your passwords, as they are easily guessable. Moreover, refrain from reusing passwords across different platforms. Although it may be inconvenient, this practice is essential for maintaining strong security. Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) or multifactor authentication (MFA) on your devices adds an extra layer of protection. This method requires a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, making it significantly harder for hackers to gain unauthorized access. Regularly updating your device's firmware is another vital step in securing your smart home. Keeping all your smart devices, including your router, up to date helps patch any security vulnerabilities as soon as they are identified. However, not all manufacturers continue to support older devices, so it may be time to invest in newer, more secure alternatives if necessary. Implementing a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your router level can further bolster the security of your smart home. A VPN encrypts your data, making it unreadable to potential hackers. Although most VPNs come at a cost, and not all routers are compatible, using a VPN can be a valuable addition to your overall security strategy. Creating a separate Wi-Fi network for your smart home devices can also provide an additional layer of protection. By isolating these devices from your primary network, you limit their potential exposure to cyber threats. However, this approach may come with compatibility issues, as some smart devices may not function optimally when connected to a separate network. As an alternative, you can set up a local network using a Raspberry Pi or an old laptop. Leveraging open-source home automation systems like Home Assistant allows you to manage your smart home devices locally, providing enhanced control over their connectivity and data exchange. Ultimately, the more security measures you implement, the better protected your personal data will be. Even implementing a single step, such as changing your passwords or enabling 2FA, can significantly improve your overall security.",
  "summary": "Here's everything you need to know (and do) to lock down your smart home devices before they start leaking your data.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}