Smart Home Security Auditor
That new smart plug is actually a tiny, internet-connected computer. Select the smart devices in your home below to generate a custom lockdown checklist.
The Danger of the "Internet of Things" (IoT)
Manufacturers rush cheap smart devices (like lightbulbs, vacuums, and baby monitors) to market as fast as possible. Because profit margins are thin, they rarely spend money on cybersecurity, and they rarely issue software updates to fix bugs.
The Pivot Attack
Hackers don't care about your smart lightbulb; they care about what the lightbulb is connected to. If a hacker finds a vulnerability in your $15 smart plug, they will use it to break into your home Wi-Fi network. From there, they "pivot" and attack your laptop, stealing your passwords and banking data.
The Ultimate Defense: Guest Networks
Almost all modern Wi-Fi routers allow you to create a "Guest Network". You should connect all of your smart home devices to the Guest Network, while keeping your laptops and phones on your Main Network. This creates an invisible firewall. If the fridge gets hacked, the hacker cannot jump over to your laptop.