Should You Trust Smart Appliances on Your Home Network?

Are smart appliances like this LG refrigerator worth the security risk to your home network? You might want to hold off on buying a smart appliance until you know the facts.

Since 2016, we’ve seen numerous IoT-based attacks. A DDoS attack that year even shut down Twitter, Reddit, and Netflix. In 2017, hackers accessed a casino’s high roller database through a smart fish tank thermometer. By 2019, Ring cameras were compromised, giving hackers access to audio and video feeds. In 2020, a baby monitor was hacked, allowing a stranger to communicate with a child. And in 2024, over 500,000 Roku accounts were breached.

The common factor? All of these incidents involved smart appliances or IoT (Internet of Things) devices. These connected gadgets often create vulnerabilities in your home network.

Examples of smart appliances include refrigerators, ovens, coffee makers, lights, security cameras, robot vacuums, and thermostats. These devices typically share three features:

• They connect to Wi-Fi (usually 2.4GHz)
• They require a mobile app for control
• They often come with cloud integration or voice control

For instance, this LG smart refrigerator offers features like:

• Temperature control of both fridge and freezer
• Air and water filter monitoring with push notifications
• Light brightness adjustment
• Energy and water consumption tracking
• Knock-knock InstaView window light activation

But with these benefits come risks. The biggest concern is hacking. A smart fridge could serve as an entry point to your entire network. If a hacker gets in, they can spread malware to other devices on the same Wi-Fi.

Common hacking techniques include:

1. Exploiting Default Credentials: Change the default password immediately.
2. Brute Force Attacks: Use passwords that are 14–16 characters long.
3. Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: Prevent this with router encryption and VPNs.
4. Malware Attacks: Keep firmware up to date and use antivirus software.
5. Vulnerable Firmware: Ensure your devices are patched regularly.
6. Insecure Ecosystem Interfaces: Secure APIs, use proper authentication, and vet third-party software.
7. Lack of Network Segmentation: Isolate IoT devices on their own network.

So why do companies continue to push smart appliances? It’s simple: revenue. In 2023, smart kitchen appliances generated nearly $20 billion. That number jumped by 18% in 2024. Much of the growth comes from marketing claims about eco-friendliness and cost savings—even if the savings are minimal.

To protect yourself, follow these tips:

• Use long, complex passwords and change them regularly
• Place all IoT devices on a separate Wi-Fi network
• Update firmware right after purchase (they may have been sitting in a warehouse for months)
• If security is a major concern, disconnect the device from the internet

The bottom line: Smart appliances can be convenient, but they do pose risks. If you take steps to protect your network, the risks can be minimized. But ask yourself—do you really need a smart coffee maker or oven?

Personally, I still enjoy some of the benefits—especially the KnockKnock InstaView fridge feature. And I use smart lights, thermostats, and even a robot vacuum daily. But now you know the risks—and how to stay protected.