{"id":14427,"date":"2020-02-28T08:24:34","date_gmt":"2020-02-28T16:24:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=14427"},"modified":"2026-03-27T09:05:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T16:05:52","slug":"are-smart-homes-worth-the-risks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/are-smart-homes-worth-the-risks\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Smart Homes Worth It? The Risks, Rewards, and ROI"},"content":{"rendered":"

To be alive in the first part of the 21st century is to be surrounded by astonishing and fabulous gadgets. Since the mid-1940s<\/a>, we\u2019ve seen giant, house-sized computers shrink to the size of a fingertip.<\/p>\n

While the footprint of these machines has diminished, their influence has increased exponentially, and we are now surrounded by smart devices with the ability to \u201ctalk\u201d to each other. As the distinction between high-tech gizmo and everyday object becomes less obvious, many wonder if our enthusiasm for the latest widget has outpaced our better judgment. When it comes to information security and personal safety, it\u2019s wise to ask ourselves: Are smart homes worth the risks?<\/p>\n

We will break down the pros and cons of the most common smart home devices, point out important differences in the way they operate, and help keep you safe if you do decide smart home devices are right for you.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
Source: (Daniel von Appen \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What exactly does \u201csmart\u201d mean?<\/h2>\n

In this context, \u201csmart\u201d means connected to the internet, usually via WiFi. While every smart device is online, some devices gather more information than others with the use of various sensors, such as cameras, infrared sensors, and microphones. The smart speaker is widely considered to be the most Big Brother-ish<\/a> of all smart devices. The voice-operated home assistant opens this list as the most risky elephant in the room.<\/p>\n

The device: Voice assistants<\/b><\/h3>\n

Sensors included: Microphone
\nPrice range: Google Home: $79<\/a>, Apple Home Pod: $299<\/a>, Amazon Echo: $34.99 to $199.99<\/a><\/p>\n

We asked Jay Friedman<\/a>, a super-star real estate agent in Roseville, California, to chime in about his experience with smart devices and his sentiment gets at the heart of the security-versus-convenience dilemma many experience with voice assistants.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlexa makes people feel like Big Brother is listening all the time, but my kids have it in their room.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Also known as \u201csmart speakers,\u201d the name-brand Amazon Echo, Google Home (or Google Nest), and Apple Home Pod devices can stand alone as voice assistants for simple commands (\u201cAlexa, play Mozart\u201d) or questions (\u201cOkay Google, what time is it in Oslo?\u201d) or they can be paired with other IoT (Internet of Things<\/a>) devices to perform tasks, like turning up the thermostat.<\/p>\n

In a smart home, the smart speaker often serves as the hub for all other connected devices. Rather than (or in addition to) operating IoT devices with an app on your phone, you just call out to your always-listening smart speaker and, voila! Your wish is granted.<\/p>\n

The reward<\/h4>\n

You get to boss around a voice-assistant robot!\u00a0 You can set timers, play music, demand jokes and stories, hear news, order food, and shop online. Not only do you not have to get off the couch, you can do all of this without even opening your eyes. What a world!<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a>
Source: (David Laws \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Are smart homes worth the risk?<\/h4>\n

The devices are relatively cheap, but remember that part about how the microphones are always listening? About that\u2026 It is seriously problematic for some people. Here\u2019s a quick infosec<\/a> primer to help you understand the risks:<\/p>\n

Better the devil you know?<\/p>\n

Security concerns for the voice-operated home assistant fall into two general categories:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Data-mining: Are you a well-informed, security-conscious person who feels shockingly ambivalent about how your information is being used by companies who, time and again, have proven to be irresponsible at best with your information<\/a>? You are not alone. Most of us are willing, in light of the tremendous conveniences afforded by our Amazon carts, our Internet of Things, and the joy of Facebook, to endure the thorny realities of agreeing to the terms.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Only one state (California<\/a>) has a law protecting consumer rights relating to the access to, deletion of, and sharing of personal information that is collected by businesses.<\/p>\n

    But even if you\u2019ve come to terms with the Trojan Horse of data-mining devices and services (no judgment here!), you still have to make sure your security hygiene is ship-shape to protect against bad actors that don\u2019t deal in niceties like Terms of Service Agreements<\/a>.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Hackers: Almost all of the big IoT hacks<\/a> you hear about could have been prevented by better security protocols in creating and maintaining passwords. Nefarious actors prey on our tendency to use (and reuse) simple passwords, so security professionals recommend using a password management<\/a> service such as 1Password<\/a>, and setting up two-factor authentication<\/a> whenever you can.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      So you have a grasp on the risks and benefits of the smart speaker, but what about some of the \u201cdumb\u201d smart devices? There are some messy blurred lines here (for example, doorbells with microphones) but below you\u2019ll find a breakdown of devices that can be used \u00e0 la carte (operated with an app on your phone) or synced with your voice assistant. You\u2019ll also see info on what kind of sensors these devices have, and of course, how much they cost.<\/p>\n

      \"A<\/a>
      Source: (Alan J. Hendry \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      The device: Smart home security cameras<\/h3>\n

      <\/b>Sensors included: Infrared motion sensor, camera, sometimes microphone
      \nPrice range:       $125 to $1,000<\/a><\/p>\n

      There are plenty of household, name-brand choices (ADT<\/a>, Xfinity<\/a>, Nest<\/a>) in the smart security camera market, but the best-rated brands in this field are the less-well-known brands Arlo<\/a> and Logitech<\/a>. The purchase price will depend on the number and quality of cameras, and in some cases you can expect a monthly subscription fee as well.<\/p>\n

      The device: Smart doorbells<\/h3>\n

      Sensors included: Microphone, camera
      \nPrice range:       $99.99<\/a> to $499.99<\/a><\/p>\n

      The old-fashioned peephole has come a long way! Ring<\/a> and Nest<\/a> are popular choices for folks who want not only to see who\u2019s there, but also want to keep a record of who\u2019s come and gone. A recent spate of attacks<\/a> has heated up headlines about the hackability of these devices, but with proper security protocols (change your P@55w0rD!), these problems can be easily avoided.<\/p>\n

      \"A<\/a>
      Source: (Dan LeFebvre \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      The device: Smart thermostats<\/h3>\n

      Sensors included: Thermometer, humidity, infrared motion, microphone
      \nPrice range:       $80 to $250<\/a><\/p>\n

      One of the most popular smart home devices, people are tempted by the energy efficiency<\/a> and cool points earned with smart thermostats like Nest<\/a> or Ecobee<\/a>. Though some models are voice-responsive (and thus pose concerns around data-mining), most have only relatively innocuous sensors \u2014 but, as they say, hackers gonna hack<\/a>, so it\u2019s wise to have a backup system in place in case your smart system goes offline.<\/p>\n

      The device: Smart lights<\/h3>\n

      Sensors included: Infrared motion
      \nPrice range:       $9.99<\/a> (single bulb) to $137.42<\/a> (starter kit)<\/p>\n

      The future looks bright with smart lights. Whether you chose smart bulbs, smart switches, or smart plugs, the common element here is the LED, a brilliant invention that has an exponentially longer life than the incandescent bulb (60,000 vs. 1,500 hours<\/a>) and uses a tiny fraction of the electricity. Like many smart devices, these can operate \u00e0 la carte with a phone app (LIFX<\/a> gives you a dazzling array of colors and effects) or via your voice assistant. Most smart lights are relatively \u201cdumb\u201d and only include an infrared sensor to detect movement in order to turn lights on or off as you enter or exit a room.<\/p>\n

      The device: Smart refrigerator<\/h3>\n

      Sensors included: Camera
      \nPrice range:\u00a0       $2,199.99<\/a> to $3,149.10<\/a><\/p>\n

      At first blush, the ability to remotely investigate your current milk situation with a tiny camera built into the inside of your refrigerator may seem like a utopian dream, but this game of \u201cI Spy\u2026\u201d has at least one catch. What if you have prescription medication in your fridge? It\u2019s worth it to carefully consider the \u201cwhat-if\u201d trade-off on this device.<\/p>\n

      \"A<\/a>
      Source: (Sebastian Scholz (Nuki) \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      The device: Smart door lock\/ smart garage door opener<\/h3>\n

      Sensors included: RFID
      \nPrice range:       $106 to $300<\/a> (smart lock), $64.94<\/a> to $599.99<\/a> (garage door)<\/p>\n

      Friedman lent his expertise to this topic, too. He didn\u2019t hesitate to tell us about the overwhelmingly positive experience he\u2019s had with both smart door locks<\/a> (his choice: August<\/a>, starting at $149.99) and smart garage door openers<\/a> (Chamberlin<\/a>, $64.64 for a basic setup). His only advice: Keep in mind that slow home internet speeds can seriously affect how well these things operate.<\/p>\n

      The device: Smart smoke alarms<\/h3>\n

      Sensors included: Smoke, temperature, and carbon monoxide sensor
      \nPrice range:       $79.99 to $178.25<\/a><\/p>\n

      The obvious and very scary drawback here is that the malfunction of a smart smoke alarm may be life-threatening. However, the benefits, like not having to stand on a chair and pry a battery out of a screeching alarm every time you burn a piece of toast, are very appealing. Play it safe and get the best of both worlds by installing standard smoke alarms for backup. There is safety in redundancy.<\/p>\n

      The device: Smart plugs and power strips<\/h3>\n

      Sensors included: None
      \nPrice range:       $17.97 to $69.99<\/a><\/p>\n

      Smart plugs are pretty low-tech in the spectrum of high-tech toys, but they serve one very important purpose: They save energy<\/a>. Connected to your WiFi, they allow you to control, monitor, and manage your devices remotely.<\/p>\n

      \"A<\/a>
      Source: (Minnie Zhou \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      The device: Smart baby monitor<\/h3>\n

      Sensors included: Camera, microphone
      \nPrice range:       $38.39 to $389<\/a><\/p>\n

      An obvious question: If you don\u2019t have a smart baby monitor<\/a>, how are you going to keep track of your smart baby?! Once upon a time, the parents of sleeping children had to stay within a few hundred feet of the crib to be within range of the monitor, but now, smart monitors allow you to patch into your home to see your sleeping bundle of joy (and their babysitter) even if you\u2019re out on the town.<\/p>\n

      Obsolescence<\/h2>\n

      When devices become \u201csmart,\u201d it can introduce a vexing layer of complexity to operations that used to be simple. For example, what happens if the company that built your smart toaster goes out of business? How will you toast if you can no longer connect the ToastWizard App to your ToastWizard Toaster? More importantly, the lack of security updates makes the app a security hazard worthy of deletion from your phone.<\/p>\n

      The tenuous relationship between the Internet and the Things isn\u2019t the end of the problem. Devices can also become obsolete when big companies (Google, Amazon) cut ties with the small, third-party IoT companies (ToastWizard) that make products that tap into your smart home. Generally speaking, there is no way to retrofit any of these devices to be \u201cdumb,\u201d so they usually just become e-waste<\/a>, and you\u2019re back to burning toast the old-fashioned way.<\/p>\n

      Wise choices<\/h3>\n

      In a world of smart devices, how can you make wise choices? Practice skeptical optimism and know the difference between connected devices, and what information they collect. Be fastidious about security hygiene. Most importantly, have \u201cdumb\u201d backups in place where a smart system failure could cause a personal safety issue.<\/p>\n

      Header Image Source: (Lazar Gugleta \/ Unsplash)<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Smart home devices are increasingly popular, but serious security issues must be addressed for personal safety and information security.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":164,"featured_media":14463,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[320,333],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14427","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-add-value","category-increase-value"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nAre Smart Homes Worth It? 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