Until a few years ago, the only security concern at home was locking the front door. Today we have filled our homes with "smart" devices: bulbs, sockets, thermostats, surveillance cameras and even fridges connected to the internet. But have you ever thought that these convenient gadgets are, in fact, small computers, often with no protection at all?
In 2026, IoT attacks (Internet of Things) have exploded. Hackers no longer try to break into your laptop; they get into the network through the smart thermostat you forgot still has its factory password. At Altanet Craiova we receive more and more requests for help from people who discovered that their private life is being streamed live on the internet.
Why are smart devices an easy target?
The major problem with IoT devices is that manufacturers focus on "cheap and easy to use", not on "secure". Here are the main vulnerabilities:
- Default passwords: Many webcams come with the user "admin" and the password "1234". If you do not change them immediately, there are robots that scan the internet and connect to them automatically.
- Lack of updates: When did you last update the software on your washing machine? Probably never. Discovered vulnerabilities stay open for years.
- Shared network: We usually keep the smart bulb on the same Wi-Fi network as the laptop we do banking on. If the hacker breaks into the bulb, they can easily reach your bank account.
What can hackers do with a connected toaster?
It may sound funny, but the risks are serious. A compromised device can be used for:
- Video/audio spying: Baby monitors and front-door cameras are favourite targets. Images from your home can end up on shady websites.
- Pivot point: The hacker gets in through the robot vacuum cleaner and from there launches attacks on your work computer.
- Botnets: Your device becomes a "zombie" in a digital army used to attack government websites, without you knowing. Your internet runs a little slower, but the damage is done to others.
How do you secure your smart home?
You do not have to give up comfort, but you do have to apply a few rules of digital hygiene:
- Change default passwords: As soon as you take a device out of the box, change the password. Use a complex one.
- Network segmentation (Guest Wi-Fi): Most modern routers have a "Guest Network" option. Connect all your IoT devices to this separate network. That way, if the fridge is hacked, the hackers cannot reach your personal files.
- Update the firmware: Periodically check the app on your phone to see whether there are updates for your gadgets.
To go deeper into the subject and see expert-validated advice, you can consult the guides on the national platform Siguranta Online (DNSC & Romanian Police).
Conclusion
The home of the future is comfortable, but it must also be safe. Do not leave the digital door open through negligence. An unprotected smart bulb is like a ground-floor window left open.
Do you have many smart devices and want to know whether your home network is secure? Our team can configure advanced routers and offer IT services for the smart home. Visit our contact page and secure your home.
This material is part of the Altanet educational series on digital safety. Do you want to know what other risks you are exposed to this year? See the Complete list of cyber threats in 2026.