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Outdated software doesn’t just stop you from accessing the latest features—it means your tech is susceptible to security threats. While updating a phone is routine, it’s easy to forget about smart home devices.
What Is a Zombie Device?
Letting your smart tech outlive its software could lead to a house full of zombie devices. AConsumer Reports surveyrevealed that 43% of people with “smart” or connected home devices didn’t realize that those devices would eventually lose software support.
While the device might technically be able to run beyond that point, it’s not getting the updates that keep it safe from security threats. Hence, a “zombie device” still physically functions beyond the manufacturer retiring its software. Similarly, a “zombie app” is an unmaintained application that compromises your security.
Ultimately, having any device connected to the internet is risky if it’s not updated with the latest security patches. Hackers can use an unsupported device to gain access to a personal network and infiltrate multiple devices to construct a botnet,like the enormous Mirai botnet.
How to Make Sure Your Smart Home Devices Are Up-to-Date
Sometimes, it’s obvious when your smart home tech has reached the end of the road. If it’s a device that connects to a mobile app, that app will likely notify you when the manufacturer has stopped supporting its software. Similarly, a smart TV will show its age when it can no longer download the latest streaming apps.
It might be less clear with an appliance like a smart fridge. If you’re not using a connected app, you might not know the status of your appliance’s software. While you can continue using a smart fridge to keep your food cold, you need to ensure that if it’s connected to Wi-Fi, it will receive updates that address emerging security vulnerabilities.
Here are a few ways you can check the software status of your smart home devices:
According to Consumer Reports, manufacturers aren’t obligated to provide consumers with a timeline of product software support. So, expiration dates will not be as easy to find as the one on a loaf of bread.
What to Do With a Device Without Software Support
If you discover that your smart home device is no longer receiving software support, you have a few options. The first is to replace the device altogether. This may be the only course of action for something like a security camera that requires a working internet connection to be useful.
If you have a smart appliance that is still functional without Wi-Fi, you’re able to typically disable the connection. Some people choose to disable Wi-Fi when setting up a smart device because of privacy concerns. You can find the steps to turn off Wi-Fi on your device in the manufacturer’s manual, often located in the smart device’s network settings.
Samsung and LG are among the smart TV brands that use your internet connection to deliver more targeted ads. It’s one of thereasons you shouldn’t connect your smart TV to the internet. You should be alert toaudio-collecting smart air fryersbreaching your privacy.
While I tend to live by the mantra “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” this is an example of having multiple definitions of “broken.” Squeezing another few years out of an old smart toaster could be as fiscally responsible as technically irresponsible. Because while that smart toaster might still heat your bagel after its software support expires, it’s not the smart toaster you used to know. It’s a vessel for mischief.
