Hacking the house that tech built

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Published Date 3/7/2025

In a society where tech is simplifying nearly every aspect of daily life, it's no surprise that home developers and buyers alike are expressing increased interest in incorporating high-tech devices into their new construction builds and dream home wishlists. So the question arises: Can home sellers benefit from upgrading to smart products in their homes to later sell at a higher price point?

Realtor.com’s Julie Taylor cites Cyber Doctor CEO Stephen Boyce: ”Smart-home technology is becoming the standard. The demand for a home to be either smart-home-ready or equipped will be a major selling point for many."

But high tech also carries with it some potential drawbacks in the form of security breaches. Along with the convenience, security, and energy efficiency—there are also scenarios in which smart technology can be compromised.

Password hacking tops the list. ”Hackers can exploit weak or default passwords, allowing them to gain access to devices," says Amazon Labs’ Amad Agrawal. "Once compromised, these devices can allow unauthorized physical access to your home or disable monitoring systems intended to keep you safe."

And don’t forget phishing—a tactic in which hackers send fraudulent emails pretending to be from a trusted company in an attempt to deceive you into disclosing your credentials.

Your smart phone is vulnerable as well. Hackers can gain access by breaching unsecured Wi-Fi networks, exploiting software or firmware flaws in devices, or infecting smart devices with malware. In fact, reports indicate that hacking is becoming increasingly common as the number of connected devices grows.

Of all the systems that get hacked into the most, it’s smart doorbells and cameras. July of 2024 found a Texas-based report of a man hacking into a Ring camera inside a 5-year-old’s bedroom whispering "Hey!" in the middle of the night. The boy instantly called out for his daddy, who filed a report with the local police department. "They did say that sometimes people that hack into your Wi-Fi are near you,” said the mom. “So that's the scary part as well... knowing that this person is likely close to us."

Securing your smart home from hackers requires a multilayered approach with a number of preventive steps you can take to keep your smart home safe.

First off, use strong passwords —critically important for protecting your smart home, as they serve as the first line of defense against unauthorized access. Use them on every device and online account—and never use default usernames or passwords.
Next, enable two-factor authentication. "Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, adds a critical layer of protection by requiring a secondary form of verification—such as a code sent to your phone—alongside your password," says Agrawal. "This means that even if a hacker manages to steal your password, they would still need access to your second authentication method to gain entry.”
Of course, be smart about who you share your smart-home info with, including neighbors, acquaintances, or third-party contractors.
Cloud it up. When using Wi-Fi, use reputable cloud services that offer end-to-end encryption. "This ensures that your data is protected both in transit and at rest," says Agrawal. "Look for providers with a strong track record in cybersecurity and those that offer features like zero-knowledge encryption, where only you hold the decryption key.”
Hardwire your internet connections when possible, because Wi-Fi-enabled smart locks, cameras, and security systems can get disabled by a Wi-Fi blocker.
And lastly, update your software. "Keeping your smart home’s software updated is crucial because updates often contain patches that fix security vulnerabilities," says Agrawal. "Regular updates also improve device performance, add new security protocols, and sometimes introduce privacy enhancements."

Taylor says having a plan in place is key. Smart-home systems offer maintenance plans and are critical to ensure your home continues to operate safely and securely for years to come. Just like landscaping, pool maintenance, or housekeeping responsibilities, you need to maintain the integrity as well as the safety of your smart home system.

As for potential resale value of a home with smart technology? Evidence points to a potential increase by 5% following the implementation of smart technology, according to research from Consumer Reports. Smart tech isn’t going anywhere but up.

Realtor, HouseDigest, TBWS

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