Smart devices have taken on increasingly personal roles in many households, tracking heart rates, watching the front door, and measuring energy use, but it can be easy to overlook their security. Any internet-connected device that collects personal data is worth protecting. Thankfully, smart device security is simple. Three practices form the foundation: strong and unique credentials, multifactor authentication, and up-to-date software.
The number of these devices keeps climbing. According to IoT Analytics, connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices reached roughly 21 billion worldwide in 2025 and are projected to hit around 39 billion by 2030. Every device added to a home or office is another login to protect, which makes consistent habits matter more each year.
What counts as a smart device?
An IoT smart device is “a device that connects to an app, the internet, a local network, or another device using a wireless connection. The wireless connection can vary, with some of the most common protocols you’ll encounter being Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth connections.” - Make Use Of
Common examples include smartphones, smart thermostats, smart locks, and smart doorbell cameras. Popular name-brand options include the Google Nest Cam, Amazon Echo, and Oura Smart Ring. Each one connects to a network, and that connection is what makes smart device security worth attention.
Why smart device security matters
Securing these devices protects two things at once: the personal data they collect and the network they share with everything else in a home or office. Most security gaps trace back to a few avoidable habits rather than sophisticated attacks. The 2016 Mirai botnet is a well-known example. It spread by guessing the default usernames and passwords left on connected devices, then used them to launch a wave of wider attacks.
Closing that gap takes just a few minutes per device.
Simple strategies to secure smart devices
Strong protection comes from simple, affordable tools. Most risk clusters around three things:
Default settings left in place
Outdated software
Weak or reused passwords
A few practical steps cover all three.
Start with strong, unique credentials
The single most effective step is simple: replace the default username and password on every smart device with something strong and unique. Predictable picks like "password" or "qwerty" are the first things an attacker tries. Reusing one password across devices lets a single guess open several doors at once.
A password manager makes this effortless. For the most flexibility, users should choose one that works on any device, anywhere, without restrictions. The right manager lets users:
Generate strong, unique passwords and passphrases that resist cracking
Avoid password reuse
Store every credential in one secure, convenient place
Add multifactor authentication
Turning on two-factor authentication (2FA) or multifactor authentication (MFA) adds a second checkpoint beyond the username and password. That second step is usually a one-time code, sent by text or generated by an authenticator app, so account access takes more than a password alone. Most connected devices offer it in their app settings, where turning it on takes only a couple of minutes; an authenticator app is the more secure option, since the codes stay on the device rather than arriving by text.
Keep software and firmware current
Regular updates deliver the latest security patches. Keeping every device current is one of the most reliable ways to stay protected as threats evolve.
Most devices and their companion apps include an option for automatic updates, which keeps protection current without manual checks. When a device stops receiving manufacturer updates, replacing it is the safest move.
Get started with Bitwarden
Bitwarden secures the credentials behind every smart device with strong, unique passwords, built-in multifactor authentication, and zero-knowledge encryption. Businesses can start a free trial, and individuals can get started with a basic free account today.