A home that's connected to the internet has an attack surface. Security cameras that can be accessed remotely. Door locks that respond to digital credentials. A home automation system that you control from your phone while traveling. These are all genuine conveniences, and all of them introduce risk if they're not designed and configured thoughtfully.
This isn't a reason to avoid connected technology — it's a reason to implement it correctly.
Network Segmentation Is Non-Negotiable
The most important security measure in a smart home is network segmentation. IoT devices — cameras, smart locks, thermostats, lights — should be on a completely separate network segment from the devices that contain your personal data: computers, phones, tablets, NAS drives.
The reason: IoT device security varies enormously. A cheap camera running outdated firmware is a potential network entry point. If that camera is on the same network as your work computer, an attacker who compromises the camera has a path to your data. If it's on an isolated VLAN with no access to the primary network, the compromise stops there.
We build this architecture into every system we install. It's not optional.
Platform Security Matters
This is one reason we recommend Control4 and Savant over consumer platforms. These are closed, professionally installed systems with security models designed for the threat environment of high-net-worth clients. They don't rely on third-party cloud infrastructure for basic operation. They're not sending your home's behavior data to advertising platforms.
Amazon Alexa and Google Home are advertising businesses. The data model is that your home is a source of consumer behavior information. For clients with genuine privacy and security concerns, this is a real consideration.
Josh.ai, the voice platform we use on most builds, processes locally and has a privacy model specifically designed for clients who don't want their home life mined for data.
Practical Security Measures
Strong, unique passwords for every device and system. Two-factor authentication on every platform that supports it. Firmware updates applied on a regular schedule (we include this in our ongoing support agreements). VPN for remote access rather than direct port exposure.
The camera system is worth special attention. Camera footage is sensitive. We configure camera systems so that access requires authentication, footage is stored locally or in encrypted cloud storage, and access is logged. Who accessed the camera system, when, and from where.
The Human Factors
Most security incidents in smart homes aren't sophisticated cyberattacks — they're predictable human factors. Staff who had access and were never off-boarded. Shared passwords. Guest network access given to contractors who you never see again.
Building access control into the system design — unique credentials for household staff, guest network isolated from the main system, access logging — addresses this class of problem. It also gives you a clear record if something does happen.
