The Privacy Risks of Smart Devices: What IT and Cybersecurity Professionals Need to Know

The Growing Privacy Concerns of Smart Devices

In today’s connected world, smart devices have become integral to our everyday lives, offering convenience and innovation in everything from home automation to health monitoring. However, recent findings have raised serious concerns regarding the amount of data these devices are collecting and the potential privacy risks they pose. A report from the consumer rights group Which? has revealed that smart products, particularly those from Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi, Cosori, and Aigostar, are gathering excessive personal information from users. As an IT or cybersecurity professional, understanding these risks and how to mitigate them is crucial in protecting consumers and organizations from potential breaches.

1. The Surge in Smart Device Surveillance

Smart devices are capable of collecting vast amounts of data, far beyond what users expect or are aware of. According to Which?, Chinese brands like Xiaomi, Cosori, and Aigostar have been found asking users for permission to access sensitive data, such as precise location and even recording audio via the user’s phone. This poses significant privacy concerns, especially when data is sent back to servers in countries with less stringent data protection laws.

These devices, often designed for convenience, are essentially always “listening” to their environment. The data collected may include personal details, home activity patterns, or even facial recognition data in some cases, all of which can be exploited if not adequately protected.

2. The Risks of Data Collection and Tracking

The report also noted that smart air fryers from these companies connect to advertising networks such as Facebook, TikTok, and Tencent, which means personal user data can be shared with third-party advertisers. This highlights the risk of data being used for marketing and surveillance without the user's informed consent. Even more concerning is that this data may be used to influence consumer behavior, often without transparency.

For example, Xiaomi’s app has been found to link to ad trackers that collect user data depending on the location of the device, potentially violating privacy norms. As these devices become more prevalent, the risk of exposure to unnecessary data breaches increases, particularly as many of these products may be used in private, domestic environments.

3. Privacy Violations in Non-Chinese Devices

The Which? report doesn’t stop at Chinese brands—it also critiques devices from well-known non-Chinese manufacturers, including Samsung, LG, Amazon, and Google. These companies are not immune to privacy issues, as some of their smart products have been found to request invasive permissions, such as access to location data, files, and the ability to record audio.

One notable example is Huawei’s Ultimate smartwatch, which asks users to grant risky permissions such as access to precise location data and the ability to record audio. While Huawei claims these permissions are necessary for the device's functionality, such requests remain concerning from a privacy standpoint. Tracking and invasive data collection practices in these devices create significant vulnerabilities for individuals, and they are especially concerning for cybersecurity professionals who know the risks associated with weakly secured data.

4. The Impact on Consumers and the Need for Awareness

For most consumers, the scale and volume of data collected by smart devices is often invisible, and they may not fully understand the risks. Many people use connected devices for years—far longer than they keep smartphones or laptops—making these devices a prime target for hackers. Devices like smart fridges, heating systems, and air fryers could be hacked, compromising the safety of users' homes and personal data.

Megha Kumar, chief product officer at CyXcel, highlights that household connected devices, due to their long lifespan, often become outdated in terms of security over time. This increases the risk of exploitation by cybercriminals who target devices that are poorly secured or have outdated software.

5. New Regulations and What They Mean for the Industry

In response to growing concerns about the privacy risks posed by smart devices, new regulations are on the horizon. The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has confirmed that it will be introducing a new code of practice for smart device manufacturers by Spring 2025. This code is expected to establish clear guidelines on data collection, transparency, and user consent.

The ICO’s upcoming regulations aim to address the excessive surveillance and data collection carried out by smart device manufacturers. It will require companies to be more transparent with consumers about the data they collect and how it is used. Importantly, these new regulations will also include stronger enforcement mechanisms, ensuring that companies that operate internationally are held accountable for their actions, even if they are not based in the UK.

6. The Role of IT and Cybersecurity Professionals in Protecting Consumers

As an IT or cybersecurity professional, you are in a key position to help protect users from the risks posed by smart devices. Here are some steps you can take:

Audit and Assess Smart Devices

Conduct audits of connected devices within your network or organization to assess what data they are collecting and how it is being used. Identify any devices that may be vulnerable to breaches due to weak or outdated security measures.

Promote Transparency and User Awareness

Work with manufacturers and stakeholders to promote transparency regarding data collection practices. Encourage organizations to create clear, accessible privacy policies for consumers, so they are aware of what data is being collected and how it is being used.

Secure Networks and Devices

Implement strong encryption and secure data transmission protocols for all connected devices. Ensure that devices receive timely security patches and updates to protect against known vulnerabilities.

Stay Informed About Upcoming Regulations

Stay up to date with emerging privacy regulations such as the ICO’s new code of practice. Understand how these regulations will impact both consumers and manufacturers, and help your organization stay compliant with new data protection laws.

Conclusion: The Future of Smart Devices and Cybersecurity

The integration of smart devices into daily life is undoubtedly convenient, but it also introduces serious privacy and security concerns. As more devices become connected, the potential for excessive data collection grows, leaving consumers vulnerable to breaches and exploitation.

For cybersecurity professionals, this means staying vigilant and proactive. By understanding how these devices collect and share data, and by helping to implement robust security measures, IT professionals can protect consumers and organizations from the risks posed by smart devices.

 
Want to learn more about securing smart devices and protecting user data? Contact us for more details on how to safeguard your organization and consumers from emerging privacy risks.