Smart Home Security: How to Protect Cameras, Baby Monitors, Smart TVs and Speakers

A typical home now has more connected gadgets than computers: a video doorbell, a baby or pet camera, a smart TV, a voice assistant, a thermostat, maybe a robot vacuum. Each one is a small computer on your Wi-Fi. Left on default settings, a weak device can let a stranger watch a camera feed or give them a way onto your network. The good news is that the fixes are simple and mostly one-time.

This guide is for any household with connected devices, especially parents using baby monitors or cameras and family members who set up gadgets for an older relative. It was checked against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guides on securing internet-connected devices and home security cameras on October 29, 2026.

Start with the router

The FTC calls your router the starting point, because every smart device connects through it. If you haven’t already:

• Change the router’s default admin username and password, and the network name.
• Turn on encryption in the wireless settings. The FTC recommends WPA3 or WPA2.
• Keep the router’s firewall on and install its updates.

Our step-by-step guide, How to Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Router, walks through each setting.

Consider a separate network for gadgets

The FTC suggests putting cameras on a separate network from your computers and printers. Many routers offer a guest network, which is an easy way to do this. If a cheap gadget is ever compromised, it’s kept away from the laptop where you do your banking.

Before you buy

• Look for encryption. For cameras, the FTC says to look for one that encrypts your account information, livestreams and archived videos.
• Check for updates and support. Choose a brand that releases security updates and says how long it will support the device.
• Look for two-step sign-in on the companion app or cloud account.
• Check sharing controls. The FTC points to cameras that offer different permission levels, so one person can manage settings while others can only watch.

Setting up any smart device

1. Change the default password. The FTC says to change any default username and password a device came with. Use a strong, unique one, and don’t reuse a password from another account.
2. Turn on two-step sign-in for the app or cloud account, especially if it stores video.
3. Turn on built-in protections such as encryption and passcode lockout.
4. Turn on automatic updates for the device and its phone app. Some devices need you to check the maker’s website for firmware updates.
5. Turn off what you don’t use. The FTC specifically mentions turning off remote management if you don’t need it.
6. Review the app’s permissions on your phone, such as location, microphone and contacts, and turn off any the device doesn’t need.

Room by room

Security cameras, doorbells and baby or pet monitors

• Use the camera’s encryption and firewall settings if it has them.
• If you sign in through a web browser, the FTC says to make sure the address starts with https on the login page and after you sign in.
• Check the camera’s access logs from time to time. The FTC suggests looking for unfamiliar IP addresses or logins at odd times.
• Limit who can view the feed, and remove access for people who no longer need it, such as a former babysitter.
• Think carefully before pointing a camera at a private space. The FTC mentions bedrooms specifically. Choose cameras that let you turn off remote viewing.

Smart TVs and streaming devices

• The FTC advises reviewing a smart TV’s tracking settings so they match your privacy preferences. Look for settings such as viewing data, interest-based ads or content recognition.
• Remove apps you don’t use. The FTC notes they can collect data even when you aren’t using them.
• Set up kids’ profiles and parental controls on streaming apps. See Netflix Parental Controls.

Voice assistants and smart speakers

• The FTC cautions that voice assistants listen for their wake word and may send recordings to the manufacturer. Review voice recording and history settings in the app, and delete old recordings if you choose.
• Use the physical microphone-off button when you want privacy.
• Turn on a purchase PIN or turn off voice purchasing, so a child or a TV ad can’t order something.

Thermostats, plugs, locks and everything else

• Use your router’s connected devices list to see everything on your network. The FTC suggests looking for “connected devices,” “wireless clients” or “DHCP clients.” If you don’t recognize something, find out what it is.
• Smart locks and garage openers deserve the strongest settings: unique password, two-step sign-in and alerts when they’re used.

Old and unused devices

The FTC warns that old devices you no longer use may have out-of-date security, creating a weak point on your network. Disconnect anything that no longer gets updates. Before selling or giving away a smart device, do a factory reset and remove it from your account. See How to Wipe an Old Phone or Computer.

Signs something may be wrong

• Logins or viewing activity you don’t recognize in a camera’s history or access logs.
• Settings that changed on their own, or new users on the account.
• Emails about password changes or new sign-ins you didn’t make.
• Unknown devices in your router’s connected devices list.

If you see any of these, change the device’s account password, turn on two-step sign-in, sign out all other sessions in the app, update the device and router, and remove unknown users.

Helping an older parent with smart devices

• Set up gadgets on their own account, not yours, and add yourself as a shared user if they want help.
• Write down the device passwords and keep them with their important papers.
• Turn on automatic updates so they don’t have to remember.
• Remind them that real device makers won’t call out of the blue to say their camera or speaker was hacked. That’s a common opening for tech support scams. See Tech Support Scams.

Checklist

• Router password, network name and encryption are set.
• Every device has its own strong password, not the default.
• Camera and doorbell accounts use two-step sign-in.
• Automatic updates are on for devices and apps.
• Smart TV tracking and voice recording settings are reviewed.
• Unused devices are disconnected or reset.
• Cameras are not pointed at bedrooms or bathrooms.

FAQ

Can someone really watch my baby monitor?

It’s possible if the camera uses a default or reused password, has no encryption, or is out of date. A unique password, two-step sign-in, encryption and updates make it much harder.

Do I need to buy a special router?

Usually not. Most routers from the last several years support WPA2 or WPA3 and a guest network. If your router no longer gets updates from its maker, it’s worth replacing.

Is it safer to use a camera that records to a memory card instead of the cloud?

It reduces what’s stored online, but the camera can still be reached over your network. The same steps apply: strong password, updates and encryption.

Should I turn off the microphone on my smart speaker?

That’s a personal choice. Using the mute button during private conversations and reviewing recording settings gives you more control without giving up the speaker.

Related guides

• How to Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Router, Step by Step
• Passkeys Explained: What They Are and How to Set Them Up
• Account Takeover Prevention: How to Lock Down Your Accounts
• Teen Privacy and Location Sharing: A Parent’s Guide

Sources

• Federal Trade Commission, “Securing Your Internet-Connected Devices at Home,” consumer.ftc.gov, accessed October 29, 2026.
• Federal Trade Commission, “How To Secure Your Home Security Cameras,” consumer.ftc.gov, accessed October 29, 2026.

This is general information, not technical advice. Settings differ by device and brand; check the maker’s help pages for exact steps.