Smart home appliances can come with security risks, Consumer Reports warns

Overview

Consumer Reports warns that internet-connected “smart” home appliances—such as doorbells, TVs, phones, light bulbs, and even fridges—can pose privacy and cybersecurity risks. These devices may send sensitive data off the home network.

A data privacy expert notes that these devices may transmit more information than users expect, potentially including:

• Location data
• Contact information
• Video footage

2024 Example: Smart Doorbell Vulnerability

Consumer Reports highlights a 2024 case involving a smart doorbell vulnerability. Reportedly, the weakness exposed information from the video feed to hackers over the internet.

According to the report:

• The product was recalled
• The FCC reportedly found the manufacturer involved

How Data Sharing Can Still Create Risk

The report cautions that even when users consent to share data:

• It may still be sent to third parties (including advertisers)
• It could be sold as part of business models
• Or it could be compromised in a separate data breach

Consumer Reports Recommendations (Risk Reduction)

Consumer Reports does not recommend avoiding smart devices entirely. Instead, it suggests practical steps to reduce risk:

• Install firmware updates to patch vulnerabilities
• Keep smart devices on a separate Wi‑Fi network from computers/phones
• Review privacy settings and limit shared data to what’s required for the device to function
• Share less data overall, since lower data exposure generally means lower risk

Presenters / Contributors

• Rhonda Walker
• Steve Blair (data privacy expert, Consumer Reports)