Are Smart Homes Actually Safer? What the Data Says

From AI-powered thermostats and light bulbs to door locks you can activate remotely, smart home technology has changed how we interact with our living spaces — and Americans have taken to it. A 2025 report from consumer insights agency Horowitz claims that nearly half of homes in the U.S. now have at least one smart home device.

It’s well-documented that smart technology in the home can save money. The financial returns come from the likes of smart thermostats that minimize energy use when you’re not home, and smart leak detectors that shut off the water supply before leaking causes property damage.

But the verdict may be less clear when it comes to smart technology and home security. Are these devices making our homes safer, or are they just exposing us to another set of risks?

The answer is that they might be doing a bit of both.

Are smart homes secure homes?

On the surface, smart home devices offer a valuable extra layer of protection. Smart security technology from companies like SimpliSafe, Ring and Arlo may help prevent break-ins. They can also enable you to respond faster to a burglary or other dangers faster than you would be able to otherwise.

Alarm systems in particular have been shown to reduce the chance of becoming a victim. In a survey of 400 convicted burglars, the University of North Carolina found that 332 of them considered whether their target had an alarm system before attempting to break in; 240 would seek an alternative target if an alarm system was present.

But these benefits may come at a cost — to your privacy and to your home’s cybersecurity.

Over 70% of the internet-of-things (IoT) devices analyzed in the latest Symantec Internet Security Threat Report had at least one major security flaw. Other projects like the OWASP’s Top Ten also list several systemic weaknesses in these devices, including a lack of encryption and vulnerable software components.

Real-world breaches highlight these issues. In one infamous case, hackers accessed live footage from Ring security cameras through credential stuffing attacks, exploiting users who reused weak passwords.

Are smart homes invading our privacy?

Beyond the risk of being hacked, smart home devices often collect extensive personal data even when you’re not actively using them. Many smart speakers, doorbells and even thermostats continuously listen or monitor activity to “enhance performance.”

The Mozilla Foundation found that 75% of the smart home products it tested in 2023 gathered more data than necessary and often shared it with third parties, being “awarded” it’s *Privacy Not Included label.

Smart can be secure, too

While the aforementioned issues can be mitigated by limiting their exposure and good digital hygiene, it’s important to remember that no smart device is infallible.

When shopping for smart devices, make their security – not just their performance – part of your selection process. Compare such features as encryption, and check the fine print (or call providers) to establish how the data they gather on you and your home might be used.

Finally, make sure you update the software on your devices when prompted to do so. And turn off – or do not activate at all – security-sensitive features such as remote access, voice recognition or location tracking when you’re not using them.

This story was originally published September 22, 2025 at 6:45 AM.