Smart TV installed at home, Wi-Fi router, baby monitor, smart doorbell or robot vacuum… whatever you can think of makes your work easier. But these devices can also pose a threat to your privacy.
These internet connected gadgets can save information about your voice, photo, location and daily habits. So can our private lives also be at risk if the devices we put in our homes lack security?
Even children’s toys are seeking dangerous permission
The threat of smart devices doesn’t just extend to TVs, cameras or routers. Apps related to children’s smart toys also ask for a lot of information. CyberNews, an organization that researches cyber security and digital privacy, conducted research in June 2026 on 10 children’s apps related to AI toys. All 10 apps asked for specific location information. 6 apps took permission for microphone and 5 for camera. Other trackers found in 7 apps. Miko app found 9 types of permissions and 8 trackers. An app was taking location information even after it was closed.
AI and digital privacy expert Abhishek Nigam says the concern increases when it comes to children, as they may not understand what information they are sharing. These gadgets are now a part of our lives, but they can also collect information like our conversations, photos or daily routines.
Cameras installed for home security become a threat
A family in Ahmedabad has installed a Wi-Fi camera in their home to monitor their child. It turns out that the live picture can be viewed on other phones as well. Cyber security experts have identified thousands of internet cameras in India that were visible online and could be misused.
How do these gadgets work?
You marked the route to the office on the map and started going to the office every day. Within a week the app understood when you arrive and how many hours you stay. It asked, should I save this address as work name? You said yes out of convenience. Now the app knows where you live and where you work. Food apps can understand your eating habits and shopping apps can understand information about your preferences and purchasing power.
Spanish software engineer Sammy Ajdufal was trying to operate his DGI Romo robot vacuum with a PS5 controller. Then he discovered a security flaw in the company’s cloud system, due to which data on about 7,000 robot vacuums was being accessed. These devices were in 24 countries. Reports from cybersecurity firms Bitdefender and Netgear also mention security threats to streaming devices, smart TVs and IP cameras.
In cheap gadgets the path may be hidden
Some cheap smart gadgets and devices may have a secret mechanism through which the internet can be accessed without permission. If any camera or gadget in the home is connected to Wi-Fi and its security is weak, hackers can use your net connection with that device for other cyber crimes.
The question is not only about hacking, but also about privacy.
Hacking is not the only threat. The question is also whether the device is asking for more information than necessary? Why do you need permission for camera or microphone? Where is the information going and how long is it being kept? AI expert Abhishek Nigam says the threat isn’t just hacking, companies can also collect a lot of data during normal use. They should clearly explain why what permission is needed, where the data will go and for how long. The user should have control over it and have an easy way to delete their data. A user does not need to be a technology expert every time.
Security and privacy should be part of the product from the start. A customer can take every precaution at home, but if the company’s system is compromised, the customer will be affected. Companies are also responsible for securing devices, apps, collected data and their servers. So, while buying a smart gadget, don’t just look at the price and features.
Check permissions, change default passwords, turn on two-step verification where possible, and keep devices updated. Also check how long the company provides security updates and support. Because smart home security is not only through locked doors but also through the gadgets that we ourselves have allowed to enter the home.
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