emirates7 - The UAE is stepping up measures to safeguard its digital environment as cyber threats continue to rise. The UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) has warned that 70 percent of smart home devices are at risk of cyberattacks if not properly secured.
Smart home technologies, including voice assistants, surveillance cameras, smart lighting, and air conditioning systems, have increasingly become targets for hackers, particularly due to users’ low security awareness or reliance on default device settings.
The council noted that unsafe practices—such as keeping voice assistants always on and connected to unsecured networks or sharing the main Wi-Fi password with guests—can expose household data and allow unauthorized remote access to devices.
Special attention was drawn to baby monitors, commonly used in many homes, which can be easily compromised if left unsecured. Hackers could potentially listen to conversations, monitor movements inside the home, or even communicate directly with children and family members.
To reduce these risks, the CSC recommended that households use strong passwords, regularly smart devices, and manage all systems through a single central hub to minimize potential access points. Additional advice includes switching off voice assistants when not in use, activating built-in security and privacy features, and keeping smart devices on a separate network from the main Wi-Fi.
As part of its “Cyber Pulse” awareness campaign, the council is dedicating this week to educating families about smart home device threats, highlighting the importance of regular system updates, and providing practical guidance to protect against cyberattacks.
Smart home technologies, including voice assistants, surveillance cameras, smart lighting, and air conditioning systems, have increasingly become targets for hackers, particularly due to users’ low security awareness or reliance on default device settings.
The council noted that unsafe practices—such as keeping voice assistants always on and connected to unsecured networks or sharing the main Wi-Fi password with guests—can expose household data and allow unauthorized remote access to devices.
Special attention was drawn to baby monitors, commonly used in many homes, which can be easily compromised if left unsecured. Hackers could potentially listen to conversations, monitor movements inside the home, or even communicate directly with children and family members.
To reduce these risks, the CSC recommended that households use strong passwords, regularly smart devices, and manage all systems through a single central hub to minimize potential access points. Additional advice includes switching off voice assistants when not in use, activating built-in security and privacy features, and keeping smart devices on a separate network from the main Wi-Fi.
As part of its “Cyber Pulse” awareness campaign, the council is dedicating this week to educating families about smart home device threats, highlighting the importance of regular system updates, and providing practical guidance to protect against cyberattacks.