Is Your Toaster Spying on You? A Senior’s Guide to the Risks of IoT Devices

Imagine coming home to find your smart lock won’t open. A notification on your phone explains, ‘Account suspended due to unusual activity.’ Yep, you’re locked out of your own house because of a server glitch or worse, a hacker.

Welcome to the world of the Internet of ThingsIoT, or the Internet of Things, is a network of everyday devices that can connect to your home or wo... More (IoT), where even your dishwasher might know more about you than your grandchildren.

While IoT devices can make life easier—adjusting your thermostat without getting up or reminding you to take your meds—they can also invite hackers, snoopers, and maybe even your nosy neighbor to poke around in your private life.

With more and more household items wanting (needing?) to connect to the InternetThe Internet is a vast network of computers and other electronic devices connected globally, allowin... More, it’s well worth a few minutes to learn the pros and cons here.

So let’s dive into what IoT is, how it can make life better, and why your blender might be plotting against you.

Understanding the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things, or IoT for short, is simply the network of everyday objects that can connect to the Internet and communicate with other devices.

It could be your thermostat which adjusts the temperature based on your daily routines.

Or your doorbell that’ll show you who’s at the door even when you’re in the backyard gardening.

Or even those newfangled refrigerators that keep track of what’s inside and will send you an alert when you’re low on prune juice.

How IoT Makes Life Better and Easier

The benefits of IoT devices go far beyond just convenience. These smart technologies can significantly improve our quality of life, especially as we age. Many seniors find that smart home devices help them maintain independence and stay connected with family members.

For example, smartwatches have become invaluable health companions for many older adults. They can monitor heart rates, detect irregular rhythms, and even sense if you’ve taken a fall.

Some models can automatically alert emergency services or family members if they detect a problem, providing peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.

Home security has also been transformed by IoT technology. Modern security systems do much more than just sound an alarm.

Connected cameras let you see who’s at your door without getting up, while smart locks can be programmed to automatically lock at certain times or be controlled remotely.

This means you can let in the maintenance worker or cleaning service even when you’re at your weekly bridge game, and check later to ensure they’ve left and the door is secured.

Voice-controlled devices have become particularly helpful for seniors with mobility issues or arthritis. Instead of struggling with small buttons or hard-to-reach switches, you can simply ask your smart speaker to turn on lights, adjust the thermostat, or even call for help.

These devices can also set reminders for medications, appointments, or other important tasks.

The Risks: When Your Coffee Maker Goes Rogue

Your “smart” gadgets might seem like little marvels of modern tech, but behind the convenience lies a hidden danger.

Many IoT devices—like your thermostat, doorbell, or even your coffee maker—come with minimal security.

This isn’t just a problem for the device itself; it’s a problem for your entire home network. A single hacked gadget can open the door (sometimes literally!) to hackers who can access your computer, steal your data, or even turn your devices against you in massive cyberattacks.

Here’s how these risks can impact you:

Your Data, Up for Grabs

IoT devices collect lots of data—personal habits, health info, even your location. Imagine a hacker snooping through your schedule because your smart lights keep broadcasting when you’re not home.

Worse, many IoT devices don’t encrypt this data, making it even easier for someone with bad intentions to access it.

Weak Passwords, Big Problems

Many devices ship with default passwords like “123456” or “passwordA password is a string of characters used to verify the identity of a user during the authentication... More.” It’s like hiding your house key under a doormat labeled “KEY HERE.”

Hackers don’t even have to try hard. What’s worse, once hackers gain access to one device, they can often leapfrog to others connected to your network.

Hackers and Intrusions

Poorly secured devices are hacker magnets. In one bizarre case, a baby monitor was hacked, and the intruder started talking to the child.

Creepy? Absolutely. Preventable? Totally.

And it’s not just baby monitors—any insecure device can serve as an entry point into your home network.

Over-Sharing Gadgets

Ever wonder if your smart speaker’s listening a little too hard? Sometimes, these devices “accidentally” record conversations and send them to random contacts (or, in the case of Echo devices, not so accidentally). Thanks, Alexa, but no thanks.

The Botnet Nightmare

Poorly secured gadgets can become part of a botnet—a hacker’s army of devices used for cyberattacks. Yes, even your innocent smart toaster could be leading a double life.

Protecting Your Smart Home: A Common-Sense Approach

If you’re sufficiently scared now, we get it. The good news is there are things you can do to protect yourself—and your network—from the risks of IoT gadgets.

Here are 8 tips for staying safe:

1. Choose Your Devices Wisely

Not every appliance in your home needs an internet connection. Before buying a smart device, ask yourself if it truly adds value to your life.

A smart thermostat that helps you save energy? Great.

A smart toaster that broadcasts your breakfast habits on social mediaSocial media refers to online platforms and websites that enable users to create, share, and interac... More? Maybe think twice.

Fewer devices mean fewer entry points for hackers.

2. Use a Separate Network

Consider setting up a guest Wi-FiWi-Fi, short for Wireless Fidelity, revolutionizes connectivity by enabling devices to access the in... More network just for your IoT devices. (Learn how to set this up here.)

This isn’t a perfect solution. But it does add a layer of protection by creating a buffer between those questionable gadgets (like your smart vacuum or internet-connected toaster) and your “core” devices—laptops, smartphones, tablets, and anything else storing your most sensitive information.

Think of it like giving the potential troublemakers their own little playpen, keeping them away from the valuables.

3. Secure Your Network

Your home Wi-Fi is the foundation of your smart home’s security. Protect it with a strong password that’s:

• At least 12 characters long
• A mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
• Unique and hard to guess (no “password123,” please!)
• Different from passwords you use elsewhere

Additionally, rename your network to something generic—avoiding identifiers like your last name or address—and make sure you’re using WPA3 encryptionEncryption is a way to protect sensitive data by turning it into unreadable code using complex math.... More if your routerA router is a device that helps connect all your gadgets, like computers, smartphones, and smart hom... More supports it.

4. Disable Unnecessary Features

If a feature isn’t useful to you, turn it off.

For example, if your smart camera’s microphone doesn’t serve a purpose, disabling it reduces the risk of it being misused. Think of it as decluttering your smart devices for better security.

5. Keep Everything Updated

Your smart devices need regular maintenance, just like your car or home.

Software updates often include critical security patches to fix vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure you’re always protected.

6. Use Strong Authentication

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your IoT device accounts. This extra layer of security—like a one-time code sent to your phone—helps ensure that even if someone gets hold of your password, they can’t access your account.

7. Think Before You Connect

Just because your fridge can connect to the internet doesn’t mean it should.

If you don’t need your fridge, toaster, or washing machine to be online, leave them offline. They’ll still do their jobs—like keeping your ice cream cold—without posing additional security risks.

8. Stay Vigilant

If your thermostat is cranking the heat in July or your smart light keeps turning itself on and off, that’s a red flag.

Keep an eye on your devices for unusual behavior—it could be a sign of tampering or a technical glitch that needs attention.

Smarter Choices, Safer Devices

The Internet of Things can make life feel futuristic and fun, with gadgets that cater to your every whim. But it’s essential to understand the risks and take precautions to protect yourself.

Think of IoT as a helpful but occasionally nosy neighbor. With the right boundaries—and a little common sense—you can enjoy all the perks without worrying about your toaster spying on you or that your fridge will blackmail you over your ice cream habits.

Embrace the future, but keep your wits (and passwords) about you!