IoT Devices & Antivirus: How to Secure the Smart Home & Connected Gadgets

The smart home has moved from being a novelty to a necessity. More than 63 million US homes rely on smart devices like voice assistants, cameras, and smart appliances (Statista, 2023). They are an integral part of daily existence now. The IoT devices bring convenience, help in reducing energy consumption, and provide peace of mind. But each new device also presents another entry point for hackers.

Most IoT (Internet of Things) devices have poor security. They have weak passwords, out-of-date software, or low-powered systems with minimal defenses. While a smart light or a refrigerator seems harmless, each can serve as a vehicle that can be used by attackers to sneak into your home network and access your laptops, phones, and any other device that is connected to the network. 

Positive news is that the antivirus and cybersecurity tools are evolving to improve protection within smart homes. The new tools operate on the network level of security, inspecting every device connected to the network and blocking questionable traffic while promoting updates when needed. But technology alone does not guarantee a solution. Homeowners also need to know where the threats lie—and take action to lock down smart homes.

 

Understanding IoT Devices and Their Security Risks

IoT devices are your everyday objects connected to the internet and collect, process, and share data. Common examples of IoT devices include

• Smart speakers, including Amazon Echo or Google Nest

• Wearables comprising Apple Watch and Fitbit

• Smart TVs, refrigerators, washing machines

• Smart cameras, video baby monitors, doorbells with internet connectivity

• Networked thermostats, smart lighting systems, digital security locks

There are, however, several challenges with these devices. Some of these are:

• Use weak or even hardcoded default passwords

• Rarely receive timely software updates

• Run on lightweight operating systems with minimal security features

• Depend heavily on cloud services, which themselves can be hacked

“The 2016 Mirai botnet hijacked thousands of insecure IoT devices, including cameras and DVRs, and took down major sites like Twitter and Netflix in the U.S.” 

(Source: Krebs on Security, 2016)

This was the wake-up call: even “small” devices can create massive disruptions.

 

Why Traditional Antivirus Alone Is Not Enough for IoT

Traditional antivirus was built for PCs and laptops, focusing on file-based malware. IoT devices are slightly different:

• Many of these devices don’t allow software installation, so you can’t just put antivirus on a smart TV or fridge.

• Threats often exploit networks and device communications rather than files.

• IoT devices connect to many different applications and cloud platforms, increasing the risk exponentially. 

For these reasons, experts recommend antivirus protection at the network level and constant monitoring via AI, which would provide protection not only for an individual device but for the entire connected ecosystem.

“A 2024 study of over 337,000 IoT backends found that nearly 30% of CoAP systems were vulnerable to denial-of-service, and only 0.16% of MQTT backends used secure TLS encryption.”

(Source: arXiv, 2024)

 

How Antivirus Is Evolving for IoT Security

Modern cybersecurity is adapting to IoT’s unique challenges:

• Network-Level Scanning

  Advanced antivirus now includes home network scanners that map connected devices and flag suspicious activity. Example: Bitdefender IoT Security.

• AI-Powered Threat Detection

  AI analyzes unusual traffic such that if your smart speaker suddenly sends gigabytes of data overseas at 3 AM, it gets flagged by the AI-enabled systems.

• Integrated Smart Routers

  Partnerships between security providers (e.g., Norton, F-Secure) and router makers now turn routers into “firewall + antivirus” devices for the whole home.

• Automatic Updates & Patching

  Some platforms push firmware updates or suggest fixes for IoT vulnerabilities, closing security gaps faster.
   

“According to Gartner (2022), by 2025, more than 25% of all cyberattacks will involve IoT devices, making them a top priority for security evolution.”

 

How Unsecured IoT Devices Put Your Smart Home at Risk

The dangers of insecure IoT aren’t theoretical—they’re real:

• Smart baby monitors hacked → Attackers have spied on nurseries using default passwords.

• Smart fridge spam bot → Researchers found a refrigerator sending out thousands of phishing emails.

• Fitness tracker data leaks: In 2018, fitness wearables exposed locations of U.S. military bases.

These aren’t just privacy concerns; they escalate into identity theft, espionage, and even national security threats.

“Hackers are targeting IoT devices harder than ever—breaches now cost an average of $5-10 million, and attacks are up 107% in 2024.” 

(Source: Growth Acceleration Partners, 2024)

 

IoT Security Made Simple: Steps for a Safer Smart Home

Antivirus tools certainly help, but the way you manage your devices is just as important. Here are essential steps to secure your smart home:

1. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

   • Use unique, complex passwords.

   • Enable WPA3 encryption if available.

   • Keep guests and IoT devices on separate networks.

2. Change Default Passwords
   You need to change factory-set usernames and passwords right away. Hackers love them because they’re the same on most devices. It is better to always create a strong, unique password instead.

3. Keep Devices Updated
   Make sure to install firmware and software updates regularly. These updates don’t just add features—they patch security flaws that hackers use.

4. Implement Antivirus at the Network Level
   Don’t stop at protecting your computer. You need to secure your whole Wi-Fi network. A network-level antivirus will cover every connected device, from your phone to your smart thermostat.

5. Limit Permissions
   Always check what permissions your apps or devices are asking for. You don’t need to give a smart bulb access to your GPS. You should turn off anything unnecessary to reduce risks.

6. Segment Your Network
   You should set up a separate Wi-Fi just for smart devices. That way, if one gadget gets hacked, your computer and phone stay safe.

“As of 2025, more than 50% of IoT devices have critical vulnerabilities that can be exploited immediately, and 1 in 3 data breaches involves at least one IoT device.”

(Source: JumpCloud, 2025)

 

IoT Security: Trends & Emerging Threats 

The risks of insecure IoT devices are greater than statistics—they're actual and increasing:

• IoT takeover: By 2030, nearly 30 billion devices will be online (IDC, 2023). That’s a lot of doors for hackers to penetrate.

• Botnets on the loose: The BadBox 2.0 botnet compromised 10 million devices in 2025, from smart TVs to projectors, for DDoS, fraud, and account takeovers (Asimily, 2025).

• Routers under siege: More than a third of home routers have well-known security vulnerabilities (Cisco, 2022). One weak router, and the whole smart home is exposed.

• Attacks on the rise: IoT-focused cyberattacks jumped 87% in a single year (Kaspersky, 2023). The pace is terrifying—and real.

It is evident that IoT security isn’t optional anymore. Smart homes do need layered defenses comprising antivirus that watches the network, strong passwords, constant updates, and a healthy dose of vigilance.

 

The Future of IoT Security: AI and Zero Trust

Experts believe the future of IoT security will be shaped by three key trends:

• AI-driven monitoring → Depends on AI tools that can spot threats faster than human analysts. This gives you real-time protection against evolving cyberattacks.

• Zero-trust models → Require all devices to prove they are safe before accessing your network. Never assume any connection is secure until it has been verified.

• Stricter regulations → Stay aware of new laws impacting IoT security. For example, the U.S. IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act (2020) sets standards for government devices and pushes the consumer market to improve too.

“In 2020, the U.S. enacted the IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act, mandating that federal agencies ensure IoT devices meet minimum security standards, including secure development practices, identity management, and patching protocols.”

(Source: Phosphorus.io, 2021)

 

Conclusion

Smart homes make life easier. But they also attract cybercriminals. Most IoT devices come with little to no built-in security. That makes them easy targets. True protection isn’t only about updating antivirus or firmware. It also means securing routers, using strong passwords, segmenting networks, and staying alert. Think of your smart home as a living fortress. Antivirus is the guard at the gate. You also need strong walls, watchful sentries, and locked doors. In the end, technology alone is not sufficient. Constant awareness, smart habits, and layered defenses are what truly keep intruders out.

 

FAQs:

Q1. Can smart devices be safeguarded with antivirus software?

Most IoT devices won’t run traditional antivirus. But network-level antivirus can protect the entire home. It scans traffic, blocks suspicious connections, and keeps all devices safe from a single point.

Q2. What is a zero trust architecture, with reference to IoT devices?

A zero trust architecture makes no assumptions about the security of a device by default. Every IoT device must verify its identity, updates, and behavior prior to connecting, which will prevent hackers from moving through the network.

Q3. Why is firmware integrity important to IoT device security?

Firmware dictates the functionality of an IoT device and is often the first target of a hacker. If the firmware utilizes secure boot processes or secure updates from a trusted channel, there is an assurance that a compromised device cannot alter trusted software components.

Q4. Can I potentially compromise my laptop or phone security by connecting a hacked device to my home network?

Yes, any vulnerable device, such as a smart camera, can potentially act as an entry point into your home wifi service. The hacker, after getting access to your home wifi network, can move sideways within the network, thus gaining entry to your laptops, phone, or additional devices.

Q5. What role do identity, authentication, and encryption play in securing information on the IoT network?

Identity provides a unique identification for every device. Authentication checks the connectivity of every device. Encryption should protect data in transit and at rest. Together they can stop impersonation, monitoring, and data theft.