Security tips for connected living
From thermostats that learn your habits to fridges that know when you're out of milk, smart homes are no longer futuristic fantasies—they’re part of everyday Canadian life. But behind the convenience lies a growing vulnerability: security threats lurking in every connected corner of your home.
According to industry forecasts, over 60% of Canadian households will own at least one smart device by the end of 2025. That includes everything from voice assistants and lightbulbs to smart doorbells and robotic vacuums. While urban centres like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal lead the adoption wave, interest in smart tech is rapidly expanding into smaller communities and rural homes thanks to improved broadband infrastructure.
“The average Canadian home now has more than 10 internet-connected devices,” notes a recent digital trends report.
Each connected gadget is a potential entry point for cybercriminals. Weak passwords, outdated firmware, and insecure default settings make IoT devices prime targets for malware, botnets, and even surveillance. A single compromised device—say, a smart plug—can allow hackers to map your network and access more critical systems.
The infamous Mirai botnet attack in 2016, which took down major global websites, was powered by hijacked IoT devices—many of them with unchanged factory passwords.
While Canada doesn’t yet have federal IoT security legislation, provinces and consumer groups are starting to push for stronger protections. British Columbia and Ontario have both launched initiatives aimed at educating residents about safe smart tech practices.
Additionally, new guidelines from the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security encourage manufacturers to adopt “security by design” practices, meaning devices are built with protections in place from the start—not added on as afterthoughts.
IoT devices will only become more integrated into our homes and routines. Whether it’s smart locks or AI-driven appliances, Canadians are embracing digital convenience. But that convenience comes with a shared responsibility—one that lies with manufacturers, regulators, and homeowners alike.
Taking action now—by changing habits, updating systems, and demanding safer products—can help ensure that our connected homes are not only smart, but secure.
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Join the MovementIn a country as digitally connected and privacy-conscious as Canada, the path forward is clear: smart living must go hand in hand with smart protection. With the right precautions, your home can stay both innovative and impenetrable.
