Smart Home Security Inspection

Smart homes make life easier, but they also create a giant attack surface. Weak Wi-Fi, reused passwords, outdated firmware, sloppy camera settings, and over-permissive automations give attackers and nosy apps more access than you’d ever allow in person. This inspection locks down the weak points.

For related security guidance, see Wireless vs Wired Security Systems, Security Cameras Audit Checklist, and Home Safety Annual Review.

1. Wi-Fi Network and Router Security

[ ] Use WPA3 (or WPA2 if WPA3 isn’t supported).
[ ] Change the default router login—never leave it at “admin/admin.”
[ ] Set a strong, unique Wi-Fi password.
[ ] Disable WPS; it’s a known vulnerability point.

2. Network Segmentation

[ ] Place smart devices on a guest or dedicated IoT network.
[ ] Keep personal devices (phones, laptops) on a separate, secure network.
[ ] Block IoT devices from accessing local network resources unless needed.
[ ] Limit device-to-device communication whenever possible.

3. Device Passwords and Accounts

[ ] Use unique passwords for every device, app, and account.
[ ] Turn on 2FA wherever it exists—especially for cameras and hubs.
[ ] Remove old users from shared device access.
[ ] Avoid linking devices to accounts you don’t fully trust.

4. Firmware, Updates, and Vulnerabilities

[ ] Update every smart device manually if auto-update isn’t an option.
[ ] Replace devices with no update support—these become attack gateways.
[ ] Check vendor security bulletins for known risks.
[ ] Restart routers and hubs periodically to clear memory leaks and improve security.

5. Camera and Sensor Security

[ ] Review camera privacy zones and turn off unnecessary audio recording.
[ ] Confirm event clips are encrypted or stored securely.
[ ] Lock down camera access—don’t leave shared links active indefinitely.
[ ] Test motion sensors, door/window sensors, and glass-break sensors monthly.

6. Smart Locks and Entry Points

[ ] Change default PINs immediately.
[ ] Enable auto-lock timers to prevent accidental unlocked doors.
[ ] Review access logs for suspicious entries.
[ ] Remove access for contractors or guests who no longer need it.

7. Voice Assistants and Cloud Integrations

[ ] Disable voice purchasing and sensitive commands.
[ ] Review third-party skills and remove ones you don’t use.
[ ] Limit what devices voice assistants can control.
[ ] Disable remote unlock or open features unless absolutely necessary.

8. Automation Rules and Routines

[ ] Review automations that could override security—for example, unlocking doors automatically.
[ ] Ensure routines don’t expose data or activate devices at unintended times.
[ ] Log automation triggers for debugging and tampering detection.
[ ] Delete old routines you forgot about but still run.

9. Logging, Monitoring, and Alerts

[ ] Turn on notification alerts for new device sign-ins.
[ ] Monitor unusual traffic on the IoT network.
[ ] Enable push alerts for critical events only.
[ ] Review logs monthly and after any major software update.

10. Annual Smart Home Review

[ ] Replace outdated devices with modern secure alternatives.
[ ] Run a full network speed test and coverage scan.
[ ] Verify all integrations still function after updates.
[ ] Add these steps to your Home Safety Annual Review.

A smart home can be safer than a traditional one, but only if it’s configured correctly and maintained. This inspection cuts out the guesswork and locks down the vulnerabilities before someone else finds them first.