Smart Home, Big Risks: Top Cybersecurity Threats Homeowners Need To Know

Dusty Rhodes • January 12, 2026

Smart home devices are becoming increasingly common. From webcams to thermostats, to TVs and even AI-improved refrigerators, homeowners have an array of choices to make their lives easier. These devices can also boost home prices, making them a worthwhile investment.


Yet, these smart home gadgets can also be compromised and are subject to a slew of cybersecurity threats.


In fact, Rambus, a chip and silicon IP provider, found that an eye-popping 80% of Internet of Things (IoT) devices “are vulnerable to a wide range of attacks.”


Mike Halbouni, founder of PoyntGuard, a security camera and surveillance installation company, said that as homes become more connected, cybersecurity is just as critical as physical security.


“Every smart device that connects to your network, including cameras, doorbells, thermostats, smart locks, and voice assistants, can become a potential entry point for hackers if not properly secured,” he said.


Common cybersecurity threats, from weak passwords and credentials


Jason Chen, technical director and tech expert at JarnisTech, a professional electronics manufacturer, said that the more “smart” your home gets, the more exposed you become.


“Convenience has a cost, and that cost is usually hidden in the fine print of your device’s security settings,” he said.


The most threat to your smart home security comes from weak default credentials and passwords, according to Thomas S. Hyslip, assistant professor of instruction for the M.S. in cybercrime program in the criminology department at the University of South Florida. 


As Hyslip explained, many smart devices, including smart cameras, baby monitors, smart doorbells, network routers, and smart hubs, are shipped with publicly known or easily guessable factory passwords and settings, such as "admin" or "123456.”


“Cybercriminals use automated tools to scan the internet, searching for devices with these default settings to gain immediate and full control, potentially compromising your entire home network,” he said.


To mitigate this threat, homeowners must change passwords immediately and often.


Another tip: Avoid inexpensive IoT devices with hard-coded, unchangeable passwords, as these products are permanently vulnerable to takeover and pose an unacceptable risk to your network security, he added. 


Lack of knowledge


Tony Anscombe, chief security evangelist at ESET, a cybersecurity vendor, echoed the sentiment, saying that smart devices introduce several potential risks, the primary ones being privacy and security.


Anscombe added that consumers need to ensure they understand exactly what data is being collected by smart devices, how it’s being secured, where it’s being stored, and whether it will be used for any other purposes or shared with a third party.


Tim Kravchunovsky, CEO of Chirp, an IoT solutions provider for short-term rentals, also said that the biggest cybersecurity threat most homeowners face isn’t a single device, it's their own home network and IT knowledge. 


“Depending on how much home automation someone has, their devices may hold extremely sensitive information. Yet most people who automate their homes aren’t very technical, and that lack of expertise creates wide security gaps,” he said.

He added that nearly all consumer IoT devices operate over Wi-Fi. Once an attacker gains access to a home’s Wi-Fi network, which is often far easier than people think, they can pivot to the devices themselves and access the data flowing through them. 


“Businesses recognized this risk years ago, which is why many now isolate IoT devices in a completely separate environment rather than letting them live on the main network,” he said. 


Smart cameras and doorbells


According to Chen, these devices, which are designed to keep you safe, are actually easy prey for hackers themselves.

“I know individuals who have used hacked cameras to spy on families, to record them inappropriately, to even broadcast those feeds for everyone to see without their consent,” he said, adding that this happens because many people never update default passwords, update firmware, or connect cameras to their main Wi-Fi networks.


“A hacker, after penetrating, can monitor all of your movements—literally,” he said.


Chen added that to fix this, there are several steps you can take: turn on two-factor authentication (2FA); change all default login credentials; and set up a separate Wi-Fi network just for smart devices.


Smart speakers and voice assistants


Dave Meister, cybersecurity evangelist of Check Point Software Technologies, said there have been instances in which attackers have tricked these devices into making purchases or controlling other smart-home features. They’re also constantly listening, which makes them a privacy risk if not configured well, he said. 


What to do: According to Meister, turn off voice-purchasing, use strong and unique passwords, and use the physical mute button when you’re not using it.


And as Chen said: “The golden rule here is if a device is always listening, assume it is always collecting and act accordingly.”


Smart locks and garage systems


Smart locks make life easier, especially for those among us who constantly forget where they put their keys.


However, as Chen put it, these introduce a terrifying vulnerability: If someone compromises your smartphone or your Wi-Fi, your front door could literally unlock for them.

“The same goes for connected garage systems. Many rely on cloud-based apps that, if breached, could grant access to your home in seconds,” he said.

Instead, Chen urges homeowners to use locks with end-to-end encryption; lock down your smartphone with biometrics and remote wipe options; and audit who has access—remove old guest codes or app permissions you’ve forgotten about.


Smart TVs and streaming devices


Gene Petrino, lead adviser for Security.org, a company specializing in personal and home security, and a retired SWAT commander, said that many devices include microphones and cameras that can be exploited if security is weak.


Petrino recommends turning off unused connectivity features, such as voice control and camera, and only installing apps from trusted sources. In addition, he urges homeowners to enable firmware updates regularly.


“Think of your smart home like a digital ecosystem; each device is a door. The more devices you connect, the more doors you create. Secure each one with strong passwords, regular updates, and separate networks for critical systems,” he said.


Check Point Software Technologies’ Meister added that, surprisingly, these are among the most vulnerable devices in the home.

 

“A lot of the cheaper streaming boxes run old software, and we’ve seen cases this year where malware actually came pre-installed on knockoff devices people bought online. Once they’re plugged in, they can be used for things like click-fraud or even large-scale attacks,” he said.


Meister offered another tip: Stick to reputable brands and keep up to date.


Home Wi-Fi router


“The router is basically the front door to your digital house,” said Meister.


As he noted, the average home sees dozens of attack attempts a day, and a lot of IoT traffic isn’t encrypted at all. If your router is old or still using the default login, it’s an easy target.


What you can do is use a strong Wi-Fi password and turn on automatic updates, he said.


Smart thermostats


Security.org’s Petrino said attackers can gather data on your daily routines—like when you’re home or away—or use unsecured devices to access your entire Wi-Fi network.


He said that homeowners should create a separate network for smart devices, use strong router passwords and WPA3 encryption, and avoid connecting unnecessary appliances to the internet.


Meister also cautions that many owners don’t realize appliances can be hacked, too, and that older or cheap models often never get software updates, which means any vulnerability lives forever.


His advice? Before buying, check whether the brand actually updates its products. And if a device stops getting updates, it’s time to replace it.


“If I had to give homeowners one simple rule, it’d be this: Treat every smart device like a tiny computer. Update it, use a strong password, and don’t put it on the same network as the devices that actually matter, like your laptop or phone,” he added. 




Source: Realtor.com


Dusty Rhodes Properties is the Best Realtor in Myrtle Beach! We do everything in our power to help you find the home of your dreams. With experience, expertise, and passion, we are the perfect partner for you in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We love what we do and it shows. With more than 22 years of experience in the field, we know our industry like the back of our hands. There’s no challenge too big or too small, and we dedicate our utmost energy to every project we take on. We search thousands of the active and new listings from Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Garden City Beach, Longs, Loris, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and Surfside Beach real estate listings to find the hottest deals just for you!

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What Stays With the House When You Move?

By Dusty Rhodes • March 30, 2026
When you’re selling your home , it is natural to assume that anything you can safely remove is yours to keep—like the light fixtures you painstakingly cleaned and repaired, or the appliances you bought last year. But the truth is, the buyer may want some of those items, too, and sometimes it's better to part ways with these items for the sake of the sale. Rather than keep everything, you should decide what you'd like to keep and what you'll leave behind as a way to entice buyers into making an offer, particularly in today's market where buyers are holding more of the cards than ever. What stays with the house? Generally, certain items stay with the house when you sell and move. Some features may seem obvious, but the truth is, you're probably expected to leave more behind than you think. Some of these items can include: Built-ins: Built-in bookshelves, benches, and pull-out furniture generally stay inside the home. Landscaping: Trees, shrubs, and any flowers planted in the ground should stay in the yard. Wall mounts: If you have TV wall mounts or picture mounts that might damage the wall if you remove them, it is a good idea to leave them in place when you move. Custom-fit items: If you have custom-made curtains , plantation shutters, or blinds, leave them on the windows and doors. Hardware : If you upgraded the knobs and drawer pulls in the bathrooms and kitchen, you should either leave those behind or install replacements before you move. Alarm systems : Wireless alarm systems are designed to be removed. Otherwise, leave the alarm monitoring station attached and either relocate or cancel the monitoring service. Smoke detectors : Smoke detectors and sprinkler systems should stay in the house, especially if you plan to move before selling the house. What can you take? While you’re expected to leave some items behind, in general your belongings are yours to keep. Here are some examples: Patio furniture, lawn equipment, and play sets : If you have a wooden swing set in the backyard and a bistro table on the front porch, take those items with you. Appliances : Some lenders require that a home have an oven installed before approving a loan, but for all other appliances, it's up to you to decide what you will take and what you will offer as part of the home. Some light fixtures : Generally, homeowners leave light fixtures behind, but if you’re attached to a certain fixture, you can make arrangements with the buyer to take it. Built-in kitchen tools : If you can safely remove a mounted spice rack or the pasta arm, you can take it with you. Rugs, basic curtains, wreaths : Small decor items like rugs or curtain rods that can be safely removed can be taken. What should you consider leaving? Some of your personal items can be used to help sell your house—or increase the asking price. Before you take everything just to take it, consider offering some hot items like the following: Appliances : Homeowners, especially new homeowners, don’t always have their own appliances. Many buyers would be more likely to place an offer on a home if it came fully stocked with appliances. Custom swing and play sets : If you have a swing set or playhouse your children have outgrown and you notice a potential buyer has children, offer to include the item with the deal. Kitchen built-ins : Built-in spice racks, pantry organization, and windowsill shelves can really help sell a kitchen. Consider offering the items to an interested buyer. Light fixtures, curtains, rugs, and other upgrades : If you’ve upgraded the light fixtures or have custom rugs in the entryway, a buyer may be willing to increase his or her offer to keep those items in the home.  If you’re not sure what would entice a buyer, ask your real estate agent to provide suggestions. Don't have an agent yet? Here's how to find a real estate agent in your area.

Top Mistakes Homeowners Are Making in 2026 (And How To Avoid Them)

By Dusty Rhodes • March 23, 2026
Let’s be clear: selling your house is absolutely possible right now. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), roughly 11k homes sell every day in this country. And the sellers who are making their moves happen all have one thing in common: they’ve adjusted their strategy to match today’s market. They’re realizing inventory has grown. Homebuyers are more selective. And buyer expectations are higher. The sellers who struggle are usually approaching today’s market with yesterday’s expectations. Here are the three biggest mistakes they’re making – and how to avoid them. 1. Pricing Based on What Their Neighbor Got a Few Years Back Setting your price is the most important decision you make when you sell – and the one that’s most often mishandled. Realtor.com data shows almost 1 out of 5 sellers in 2025 had to drop their price. Here’s what those sellers went wrong. Buyers have more choice and more negotiating power now that inventory has grown. And house hunters will actively avoid your house is if feels like it’s priced too high. That’s why overpricing usually leads to: Fewer showings Less competitive (or lowball) offers Longer time on market And all three of those side effects are things you don’t want to deal with. What To Do Instead: The good news is the cure is simple. Just price for today’s buyer, not yesterday’s headlines. Lean on your agent’s knowledge of recent comparable sales, current competition, and local buyer behavior to land in the value “sweet spot” that drives traffic and urgency from day one. 2. Trying To Skip Repairs That Buyers Now Expect A few years ago, you could sell as-is and still get well above asking. Today? Not so much. Right now, NAR says two-thirds of sellers are making at least some repairs. And the reason why is simple. In a market with more inventory, buyers compare homes side by side. Homes that don’t show well (or feel dated) are going to lose attention quickly, even if the issues are minor. What To Do Instead: Ask your agent which high-impact, low-stress updates they’d recommend for your house. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s helping buyers see themselves moving in without a mental to-do list. Small investments in staging, repairs, and curb appeal can make a huge difference in how quickly offers come in – and how strong those offers are. 3. Playing Hardball When Buyers Try To Negotiate Today’s buyers have housing affordability at the top of their minds. And since money is already tight, they’ll be pickier and will probably ask for some compromises from you. Whether that’s making repairs, giving them a credit at closing, or taking just a few thousand dollars off your asking price, negotiating is normal again. So, if something pops up in the inspection, you’re going to need to be open to talking about it. If you’re not, you may very well see your buyer walk away. And some sellers are figuring this out the hard way. Redfin data shows one of the big reasons home sales fell thru in 2025 was inspection or repair issues. Odds are those homeowners weren’t willing to flex a bit to get the deal done. What to Do Instead: Meet with your agent to make sure you understand what buyers in your area care the most about. Align your price with value, present the home clearly and confidently, and stay open to reasonable negotiations that keep deals moving forward.

10 Aging-in-Place Features Pros Swear By

By Dusty Rhodes • March 16, 2026
They’re often called aging-in-place features, but things like curbless showers, nonslip flooring and wide walkways and doorways can benefit everyone, no matter their age or ability. “Regardless of aging in place, there is a place for these in day-to-day life, whether it be a teenager on crutches, a family member having had surgery, active kids,” designer Dana Bass says. “It’s not just about aging in place. We’ve got to account for unplanned life emergencies.” Designer Tammy Battistessa of Ellaire Kitchen & Bath Design agrees. “Whenever possible, I include aging-in-place and universal design features in every project, as I believe many of these features benefit clients of all ages and abilities, in addition to allowing a client to safely remain in their home for a longer period of time,” she says. Creating a home that can adapt also makes it more sustainable. “Aging in place is a key element to making legacy homes that can evolve over time,” architect Tim Barber says. With all that in mind, we asked more than 50 home design and construction professionals to share the aging-in-place features they always recommend. Here are the 10 that came up again and again. 1. Wide Walkways and Doorways Planning ahead is one of the most important steps when incorporating aging-in-place features. Many of these elements require thoughtful design and construction, so it’s wise to start early — and to consider hiring professionals who understand the nuances. “Thinking through how you will really use the space makes all the difference,” designer Haiku Durden of HDS Design says. “Having a designer involved really makes a difference.” A professional can help you create a plan that works for your current needs and anticipates future ones. “We currently default to aging-in-place features when our clients are near retirement or retirement age,” says designer Jenny Guggenheim of Guggenheim Architecture and Design Studio . “Preplanning by adding blocking behind the wall finish, spacious floor planning to allow for wheelchair or walker use.” In fact, spacious layouts are among the most commonly recommended aging-in-place strategies. Wide walkways and doorways — and generous clearances around furniture and fixtures — make it easier for anyone to move through the home comfortably. Installing a continuous flooring material throughout also reduces tripping hazards caused by changes in height or texture between rooms.