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Key Points

The UAE Cyber Security Council has issued a stark warning that 70% of smart home devices remain vulnerable to cyberattacks. Devices like voice assistants, smart lighting, and baby monitors are particularly attractive targets for hackers due to weak user security awareness. Risky behaviors include leaving assistants always active and sharing main Wi-Fi passwords with guests. The council recommends strong passwords, regular updates, and separating smart device networks from household Wi-Fi.

Key Points: 70% of Smart Home Devices Vulnerable to Cyberattacks UAE Council Warns

  • Voice assistants left active pose major security risks if connected to unsecured networks
  • Baby monitors can be hacked to record conversations and track movements
  • Sharing main Wi-Fi passwords with guests exposes home data to remote access
  • Council advises separating smart device networks from household Wi-Fi for safety
2 min read

70% of smart home devices vulnerable to cyberattacks: Cyber Security Council

UAE Cyber Security Council reveals 70% of smart home devices are at risk, warning about baby monitors, voice assistants, and weak Wi-Fi security practices.

"70 per cent of smart home devices are vulnerable to cyberattacks if not properly protected - UAE Cyber Security Council"

Abu Dhabi, September 7

The UAE is intensifying efforts to secure its digital space as cyber risks grow, with the UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) warning that 70 per cent of smart home devices are vulnerable to cyberattacks if not properly protected.

Smart technologies in homes, such as voice assistants, surveillance devices, smart lighting and air conditioning systems, have become an attractive target for hackers, especially given the weak security awareness among some users or reliance on default device settings.

The council explained that risky behaviours include leaving voice assistants permanently active and connected to unsecured networks, or sharing the main Wi-Fi password with guests, which can expose home data and allow remote control of devices.

The council also highlighted the risks associated with baby monitors, which are widely used in many households, noting that these devices can be easily hacked by intruders if not secured, allowing them to record conversations, track movements inside the home, or even communicate directly with children and family members.

To mitigate risks, the CSC urged households to adopt strong passwords, update smart device systems regularly, and manage all smart systems through a single central device to reduce potential entry points. It further advised switching off voice assistants when not in use, enabling built-in security and privacy settings, and separating smart device networks from the main household Wi-Fi.

As part of its "Cyber Pulse" awareness campaign, the council is dedicating this week to addressing the threats facing smart home devices to educate families on the importance of system updates and practical steps to counter cyber threats. (ANI/WAM)

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The baby monitor warning is terrifying 😨. Many young parents in India are buying these devices without knowing the risks. We need more awareness campaigns like this in our country too.
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Arjun K
Honestly, most people just use "password123" and never update anything. Manufacturers should make security mandatory during setup, not optional. Good that UAE is taking initiative.
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Sarah B
I work in IT security and can confirm these risks are very real. In Indian homes with multiple family members sharing devices, the risk multiplies. Simple steps like regular updates can prevent 80% of attacks.
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Vikram M
While the advice is good, I feel the article doesn't emphasize enough that many budget smart devices from unknown brands have terrible security built-in. Sometimes no amount of password changes can fix bad hardware design.
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Meera T
My mother always says "why do you need these smart things?" Maybe she was right! But seriously, we need to educate our elders too who are using these devices without understanding the risks. 🙏

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