By Joe Seanor, CISSP | Cyber Investigator & Network Security Expert

Your home is smart—but is it secure?

From smart TVs to thermostats, lights, security cameras, doorbells, and even refrigerators, many homes in 2025 are filled with Internet of Things (IoT) devices. They make life easier—but they can also become a silent backdoor for cybercriminals.

Here’s how to tell if your smart home has been compromised—and what you can do right now to protect it.

7 Signs Your Smart Home Might Be Hacked

1. Unexplained Device Behavior

• Lights turning on/off randomly
• Thermostat settings changing without input
• Security cameras spinning or activating when you’re not home

What it means: Someone could have remote access to your device.

2. Strange Noises from Smart Speakers

• Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri activating without being prompted
• Unusual or robotic noises
• Echo devices “responding” to questions you didn’t ask

What it means: Your smart speaker may have been compromised and is listening in.

3. Increased Bandwidth Usage

• Your internet feels slower than usual
• Router logs show unexpected spikes in activity, especially late at night

What it means: A device could be sending data to a third party.

4. Unknown Devices on Your Network

When you check your router or app, you find strange device names you don’t recognize.

What it means: An intruder has likely connected to your Wi-Fi network.

5. Login Alerts You Didn’t Trigger

• You receive alerts from smart device apps about logins from unusual locations
• Your account is locked out, or you’re logged out unexpectedly

What it means: Someone may have gained access to your credentials.

6. Camera Lights or Indicators Flicker or Turn On

Even when you’re not actively using them, the LED light on your smart camera glows or flickers.

What it means: Someone may be viewing your camera feed remotely.

7. Your Devices Start Acting ‘Dumber’

They respond slower, freeze often, or lose configuration settings.

What it means: Malware may be running on the device itself—or it’s part of a botnet (like the infamous Mirai attack).

What to Do If You Suspect a Breach

1. Disconnect the Device Immediately

Unplug the suspicious smart device or disable its network access from your router.

2. Factory Reset the Device

Restore it to default settings and clear all app connections.

3. Change All Associated Passwords

Update passwords on the device’s app, your Wi-Fi network, and your cloud account.

Use long, unique passwords—and turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.

4. Create a Guest Network for Smart Devices

Isolate IoT devices from your main network. That way, if one is compromised, it can’t access your work computer or mobile banking.

5. Update Firmware Immediately

Manufacturers release security patches often. Check your device app for updates—or set devices to auto-update.

Pro Tips to Stay Secure Long-Term

Rename devices and hide SSIDs to make your home network less obvious to outside observers.

Buy from reputable brands with a track record of updates and transparency.

Disable features you don’t use, like remote access or voice control.

Review app permissions—many smart home apps request excessive access to your phone or cloud storage.

Final Thoughts

Your smart home should serve you—not someone spying on you.

As convenient as IoT devices are, they come with a real security cost if not configured correctly. But with the right precautions, you can enjoy your connected home without sacrificing your safety or privacy.

Stay secure,

Joe Seanor

CISSP | Private Cybersecurity Consultant