Smart device security: Why your smart fridge should stay offline.

The hidden risks of smart devices: Why your fridge shouldn’t be online and how to secure your home network

In today’s hyper-connected world, smart devices are becoming ubiquitous in our homes. From refrigerators that notify you when you’re low on milk to air conditioners controllable via smartphone apps, the Internet of Things (IoT) promises convenience and efficiency. However, the growing trend of embedding internet connectivity in household appliances like fridges, stoves, microwaves, HVAC systems, and fans raises significant security and privacy concerns.

Many of these devices come with internet access enabled by default, often without an option to disable it, stripping users of choice and exposing them to potential risks. This article explores why these devices have no compelling reason to be connected to the internet, the inherent dangers of their connectivity, and provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to setting up a private network to restrict their internet access, ensuring a safer and more secure home environment.

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The unnecessary connectivity of household appliances

The notion of a smart fridge or an internet-enabled microwave might sound futuristic, but the practical necessity of such features is questionable. A refrigerator’s primary function is to keep food cold, a stove to cook, and a fan to circulate air, none of these tasks inherently require an internet connection. Manufacturers often market these features as enhancements, claiming they enable remote control, usage monitoring, or software updates.

However, these benefits are marginal compared to the risks. For instance, a smart fridge might send a notification about low groceries, but this can be achieved through local sensors or manual checks without exposing your home network to external threats.

Similarly, HVAC systems can be programmed locally with timers or thermostats, negating the need for cloud-based control. The reality is that internet connectivity in these devices often serves the manufacturer’s interests, collecting user data, pushing advertisements, or locking consumers into proprietary ecosystems more than it benefits the user.

The risks of internet-connected smart devices

The proliferation of internet-connected appliances introduces several risks, primarily due to poor security practices and opaque intentions. Many smart devices are developed with minimal focus on cybersecurity. For example, some devices use Bluetooth solely for initial pairing but leave vulnerabilities unpatched once connected to Wi-Fi, as engineering teams prioritise functionality over security. This lack of attention creates exploitable weaknesses, allowing hackers to infiltrate home networks.

High-profile cases, such as certain Chinese-made security cameras found to have backdoors, highlight the potential for malicious intent. These backdoors can enable unauthorised access to live feeds, data theft, or even the integration of devices into botnets for large-scale cyberattacks.

Moreover, many smart devices transmit data to remote servers without clear disclosure of what is collected or how it’s used, raising privacy concerns. When a fridge or microwave is online, it could potentially leak sensitive information about your household habits, from meal times to occupancy patterns.

Another troubling trend is the lack of user control. Many new smart devices come with internet connectivity enabled by default, and manufacturers often omit an option to disable it. This eliminates consumer choice and forces users to either accept the risks or forgo using the device altogether.

The absence of transparency about why these devices need internet access beyond vague promises of “updates” or “enhanced features” further erodes trust. Even when updates are necessary, they can often be delivered locally via USB or temporary connections, adhering to a “if it works, don’t touch it” philosophy that minimises exposure to external threats.

The case for restricting internet access

Given these risks, the most effective way to protect your home is to restrict or eliminate internet access for devices that don’t need it. Essential devices like phones and computers typically require internet connectivity for core functions like browsing, communication, or work.

In contrast, appliances like fridges, stoves, or fans can operate fully offline, communicating locally if necessary via protocols like Matter or Thread. These standards, supported by hundreds of manufacturers, prioritise local communication and robust security, reducing reliance on cloud servers.

By isolating these devices from the internet, you prevent potential vulnerabilities from being exploited while retaining their core functionality. The challenge lies in implementing this isolation, as many home networks are not designed to segregate devices. Fortunately, with some technical know-how, you can set up a private network or restrict internet access at the router level to achieve this goal.

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Setting up a private network for smart devices

Creating a separate network for smart devices is a robust solution to limit their internet access while allowing local communication. Below is a detailed guide to setting up a private network and restricting internet access for your smart devices.

Step 1: Understand your network requirements

Before setting up a private network, assess your devices. Identify which ones require internet access (e.g., phones, computers) and which do not (e.g., fridges, cameras, HVAC systems). Devices that don’t need internet access should be placed on a separate network or have their access restricted.

This approach assumes you have a modern router with VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) or guest network capabilities, which most consumer-grade routers support.

Step 2: Access your router’s admin panel

To configure your network, log into your router’s admin panel. This is typically done by entering your router’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1) into a web browser. Check your router’s manual or the label on the device for the exact address and default login credentials (usually “admin” for both username and password unless changed). Ensure you’re connected to your home Wi-Fi network when accessing the panel.

Step 3: Create a separate network (Guest Network or VLAN)

Most routers allow you to create a guest network, which is an easy way to isolate smart devices. Navigate to the “Wireless” or “Guest Network” settings in your router’s admin panel and enable a guest network with a unique SSID (e.g., “SmartDevices”). Set a strong password to prevent unauthorised access. If your router supports VLANs, you can create a more advanced isolated network:

Go to the “LAN” or “Network” settings.
Enable VLAN and assign a new VLAN ID (e.g., VLAN 10) for smart devices.
Assign the VLAN to a specific Wi-Fi SSID or Ethernet ports if your devices use wired connections.
Disable “Internet Access” for the VLAN or guest network, but allow “Local Network Access” to enable communication between devices on the same network (e.g., for Matter-compatible devices).

Step 4: Connect smart devices to the new network

Connect your smart devices to the guest network or VLAN. For Wi-Fi devices, select the new SSID and enter the password. For wired devices, ensure they’re plugged into the correct Ethernet port if using VLANs. Test local functionality (e.g., controlling a smart thermostat via a local app) to confirm the devices work without internet access.

Step 5: Restrict internet access at the router level

If setting up a separate network is too complex or your router lacks VLAN support, you can restrict internet access for specific devices using your router’s firewall or access control settings:

Navigate to the “Firewall”, “Access Control”, or “Device Management” section in your router’s admin panel.
Locate the list of connected devices, typically under “DHCP Clients” or “Connected Devices”.
Identify the MAC address or IP address of each smart device you want to restrict (e.g., your fridge or camera).
Create a rule to block outbound internet traffic for these devices. This can usually be done by selecting “Block Internet Access” or setting a rule to deny traffic to external IP addresses while allowing local traffic (e.g., 192.168.x.x).
Save and apply the settings. Test the devices to ensure they function locally but cannot access the internet.

Step 6: Verify and monitor

After configuring your network, verify that your smart devices cannot access the internet. Attempt to use cloud-based features (e.g., remote control via an app) to confirm they’re blocked. Use a network monitoring tool like Fing or Wireshark to observe traffic and ensure no unexpected connections are being made. Regularly check your router’s admin panel for firmware updates to maintain security.

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Choosing secure devices

When purchasing new devices, opt for those adhering to open standards like Matter or Thread, which prioritise local communication and are supported by multiple manufacturers, ensuring better security practices. Avoid devices from brands with a history of security lapses, such as those with known backdoors. Research user reviews and security reports before buying to assess a device’s trustworthiness.

Conclusion

The trend of embedding internet connectivity in everyday appliances like fridges, stoves, and HVAC systems often prioritizes manufacturer convenience over user security and privacy. These devices have little need for internet access, and their default connectivity settings, often unchangeable, expose households to significant risks.

By setting up a private network or restricting internet access at the router level, you can reclaim control over your home’s digital ecosystem. Following the steps outlined above, you can isolate unsafe devices, ensuring they function locally without compromising your network’s security. In an era where smart devices are increasingly intrusive, taking these proactive measures empowers you to enjoy technology’s benefits while safeguarding your privacy and security.

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