Why I started caring about IoT security
When I first set up my smart home, I only thought about convenience. Lights that turn on when I walk in, a thermostat that warms the place before I wake up, cameras I can check from my phone. It all felt futuristic and fun.
Then I learned that the same Internet of Things (IoT) devices that make my life easier can also expose my home network if I ignore security. IoT covers everything from smart bulbs and plugs to cars, appliances, wearables, and home security systems, all talking over the internet using sensors and tiny computers inside them (CISA). Once I understood how much data they quietly send and receive, I realized I needed a plan.
In this guide I will walk through how I approach IoT security at home, step by step. I will share what I actually do, what I changed after reading security guidance, and how I keep my smart home feeling worry free without turning into a full time network administrator.
Along the way I will mention both my devices and the iot network that connects them, because protecting one without the other does not work for long.
Step 1: Take inventory of every smart device
Before I tightened security, I did not even know how many internet connected gadgets I owned. So my first IoT security step was surprisingly low tech. I grabbed a notepad and walked around my home.
I wrote down every device that connects to Wi Fi or the internet, even if it did not look like a computer. That list included obvious things like my router, laptop, and phone, but also:
- Smart speakers and displays
- Smart TV and streaming sticks
- Smart plugs, bulbs, and light switches
- Thermostat and air purifier
- Robot vacuum and connected appliances
- Cameras and video doorbell
- Fitness tracker and other wearables
This quick audit made two things clear. First, my attack surface was much larger than I thought. Second, some devices had been running for years without a single checkup. That is exactly what worries security experts, because many IoT devices were not built with long term protection in mind and often run outdated firmware with known vulnerabilities (Fortinet, SentinelOne).
Having a list lets me track which devices are critical, which are optional, and which ones I might simply unplug if they become too risky.
How I use the inventory
Once I had my list, I added three quick notes for each entry:
- Where it lives, for example, living room, bedroom, outside
- How important it is, for example, security camera is critical, smart plug is nice to have
- How I access it, for example, mobile app, web dashboard, or voice assistant
This helped me prioritize. I secured high impact devices first, like cameras and the router, then moved to lower risk items like smart bulbs.
Step 2: Change every default password
If I had to pick one IoT security habit that offers the biggest payoff, it is this one. Many IoT devices ship with default usernames and passwords like admin or 12345. These are usually published in manuals or online, so attackers can try them automatically at scale (CISA, Fortinet, SentinelOne).
Once I realized that, leaving a default password felt like leaving my front door key under the mat and taping a note to it.
My password routine for IoT devices
Here is the exact process I follow for each device:
Log into the admin app or web interface
As soon as I set up a new device, I open its settings and look for account, security, or administration options.Change the default login right away
I replace any default username and password combination with something unique. If the device does not let me change the username, I at least change the password.Use a password manager
I never reuse passwords. Instead, I let my password manager generate long, random passwords and store them securely. That way I do not need to remember strings of characters for every single sensor or camera.Add multi factor authentication when possible
Some vendors now support two factor authentication or multi factor authentication on their cloud accounts. When I see that option, I turn it on. Security guidance emphasizes how weak authentication is a major IoT vulnerability, and stronger verification makes a big difference (Fortinet, SentinelOne).
I treat changing default passwords as non negotiable. If a device refuses to let me do this, I seriously question whether it deserves a place in my home.
Step 3: Keep firmware and apps updated
My next habit is making sure every device runs the latest firmware and that the controlling apps on my phone stay up to date. Many successful attacks target old software because known vulnerabilities have not been patched yet (CISA, Harvard Privacy & Security, SentinelOne).
How I handle IoT updates without going crazy
I do not want to check updates manually every day, so I use a simple system:
Automatic updates where available
If a device offers auto update, I enable it. That way patches install as soon as the manufacturer releases them, which is exactly what CISA recommends (CISA).Monthly quick check
On the first weekend of each month, I spend 10 to 15 minutes opening each major app, like my camera app, thermostat app, and router interface, and I tap check for updates. For devices with web dashboards, I log in briefly and look for any firmware update button.Retirement for unsupported devices
Some older gadgets no longer receive updates at all. SentinelOne points out that outdated firmware can create severe and permanent vulnerabilities when vendors stop patching devices (SentinelOne). If a device is abandoned, I either isolate it on a more restricted network segment or retire it.
This routine keeps my IoT setup reasonably current without requiring daily effort. It also gives me an excuse to remove gadgets I no longer use.
Step 4: Split my Wi Fi into separate networks
The change that most improved my peace of mind was segmenting my home network. Before I did this, my laptop, phone, and all IoT gadgets shared the same Wi Fi. If one smart plug got compromised, it could provide a path toward everything else.
Security experts warn that many IoT devices lack strong built in defenses, so they should not sit beside more sensitive devices on the same flat network (Fortinet, Harvard Privacy & Security, SentinelOne). I decided to follow that advice.
How I segment my IoT network
Every router is slightly different, but my approach looks like this:
Create a separate Wi Fi for IoT only
I logged into my router admin page and added a guest network. I then named it something like Home IoT and gave it a long, unique password. This new SSID is dedicated to smart devices only. My main Wi Fi is for laptops, phones, and personal data.Move devices gradually
I did not want to break everything at once, so I moved devices in batches. First, non critical items like light bulbs and smart plugs joined the IoT Wi Fi. Then I migrated more important devices like cameras and door locks, making sure they could still talk to their apps and to the cloud.Adjust router settings for isolation
Many routers let you isolate guest networks so devices on that network cannot talk to the main network directly. I turned that on and confirmed that my IoT gadgets could reach the internet but not see my laptop. This way, if something goes wrong with a device, the damage is limited.Use strong Wi Fi encryption
I use modern Wi Fi encryption on both networks and avoid outdated or open configurations. IoT traffic is often unencrypted at the application layer (Fortinet), so it is even more important to secure the wireless link itself.
By separating my iot network logically, I turned my router into a basic firewall between my personal life and my smart gadgets.
Step 5: Lock down device settings and permissions
Once I had passwords and networks sorted, I focused on the settings inside each device and cloud account. IoT products often enable features by default that are convenient but expand the attack surface. CISA notes that configuration choices can open up vulnerabilities, especially after updates or patches change defaults (CISA).
What I check inside each IoT app
When I install or review an IoT device, I walk through a simple checklist:
Remote access controls
I decide whether I truly need to access the device from outside my home network. If not, I disable external access. Harvard recommends managing remote access carefully and only allowing what is necessary (Harvard Privacy & Security).Unnecessary services and open ports
SentinelOne explains that insecure network services and open ports with excessive permissions increase the IoT attack surface (SentinelOne). If my router or device offers options to disable unused services like UPnP or remote admin, I consider turning them off.Data sharing and cloud features
Many apps include toggles for analytics, usage tracking, and third party integrations. I read those descriptions and switch off any option that seems unrelated to how I actually use the product.Account permissions
If the platform supports multiple user accounts, I avoid sharing my primary login. Instead, I create separate, limited accounts for family members so I do not hand out full administrative control casually.
The idea is not to disable every feature, it is to make conscious choices. If I enable something that increases risk, I want to know why and be comfortable with the tradeoff.
Step 6: Encrypt data and protect cloud APIs
Many of my IoT devices rely on cloud services. That means sensor readings, commands, and even video streams get sent over the internet. According to Fortinet, a large portion of IoT traffic is still unencrypted, so sensitive data can be exposed to interception or tampering (Fortinet). SentinelOne also notes that unencrypted transmissions can be targeted by man in the middle attacks and network sniffing, particularly over public networks (SentinelOne).
I cannot rewrite device firmware, but I can choose platforms that respect secure communication.
What I look for in cloud connected IoT
When I pick new smart gear or evaluate the platforms I already use, I pay attention to:
Use of HTTPS and TLS
For web dashboards and APIs, I expect HTTPS by default. Amazon notes that HTTPS is the right choice for IoT applications that need encrypted request response communication, since it protects data in transit using SSL or TLS encryption (AWS Public Sector Blog).Device authentication model
For more advanced gear, I like seeing certificate based authentication. Services like AWS IoT Core use X.509 certificates to identify devices and require encryption through TLS 1.2 or 1.3 (AWS Public Sector Blog). This design aligns with CISA guidance on strong authentication for IoT devices.Secure API access
Fortinet stresses how important it is to secure the cloud APIs that IoT applications use, since a weak API can lead to large scale data breaches (Fortinet). I check how vendors handle tokens, encryption, and permission scopes. If their documentation barely mentions security, I am cautious.
At home, my practical move is to treat cloud connected devices as high value and give them the same careful treatment I give my online banking apps. I use strong passwords, multifactor authentication, and I do not log into admin panels from random public Wi Fi networks.
Step 7: Monitor, log, and periodically review
IoT security is not something I can set up once and forget forever. New devices arrive, firmware changes, and my own habits evolve. Instead of obsessing daily, I built a light monitoring routine into my normal life.
How I keep an eye on my smart home
Here is what monitoring looks like for me:
Router dashboard checks
Once in a while, I open my router interface and look at connected devices. If I see something I do not recognize, I investigate. Fortinet recommends real time visibility into connected devices as a way to reduce the attack surface (Fortinet), and this is the home version of that practice.App alerts and logs
Some devices log logins or send alerts when someone signs in from a new location. I leave those alerts on. If I see an unexpected notification, I review the device history and change passwords if needed.Lifecycle decisions
Harvard advises disposing of devices securely and being thoughtful across the entire lifecycle (Harvard Privacy & Security). When I retire a device, I perform a factory reset, remove it from cloud accounts, and then unplug it for good.
Monitoring is not about catching every possible attack. It is about noticing when something feels off and having the information needed to respond quickly.
For me, a secure smart home is not a fully locked down bunker. It is a place where devices do what I expect, share only the data they truly need, and live on a network that respects some basic boundaries.
Step 8: Choose better devices before I buy
One of the easiest IoT security wins happens before I even scan a QR code or plug something into the wall. I have started treating security as a shopping criterion, right alongside price and features.
With the number of connected devices expected to grow into the tens of billions globally, standards and good design practices are becoming more important than ever (Fortinet, ETSI). Organizations like ETSI are working on security specifications and roadmaps to raise the baseline for consumer IoT (ETSI). I try to reward vendors that take this seriously.
My pre purchase security checklist
Before I add a gadget to my cart, I ask a few questions:
- Does the vendor have a clear privacy and security page that explains how they handle data and updates
- Do they support changing default passwords, enabling multifactor authentication, and receiving regular patches
- Do they mention encryption, such as HTTPS or TLS, for data in transit
- Are they a reputable brand with a track record of maintaining products, or a nameless company that might vanish in a year
Harvard also suggests buying IoT devices from reputable vendors to help maintain privacy and data security over time (Harvard Privacy & Security). I have found that answering these questions usually nudges me toward more mature products and away from shaky impulse buys.
Bringing it all together in my own home
After going through these steps, my smart home feels less like a collection of black boxes and more like a system I understand and control. I still enjoy all the convenience and automation, but I also know I have done the basics to keep my iot technology and my personal data safer.
Here is how my overall approach to IoT security looks at a glance:
- I keep an updated inventory of connected devices.
- I change all default passwords and use a password manager.
- I keep firmware and apps current, with auto updates when possible.
- I segment my Wi Fi so IoT devices live on a separate network.
- I tighten device settings to reduce unnecessary exposure.
- I favor devices and platforms that use strong encryption and sound authentication.
- I monitor my network occasionally and retire unsupported gadgets.
- I shop with security in mind, not just price and features.
You do not need to implement every step at once. Pick one area that feels manageable, such as creating a dedicated IoT Wi Fi or changing all your default passwords this weekend. Each improvement shrinks the risk and moves your smart home closer to being genuinely worry free.
The Internet of Things is not going anywhere. With a bit of planning and some realistic security habits, it can be both powerful and safe to live with.