When Smart Becomes Dumb Security
We all love our smart tech—doorbells, speakers, cameras, even Wi-Fi kettles. They make life easier, but here’s the catch: some of these gadgets are never updated. That means any weakness baked in at launch stays there forever, like a permanent crack in the wall. Hackers love those cracks because they don’t close.
What Makes a Gadget “Unpatchable”?
Unpatchable smart gadgets are devices that either don’t get updates at all or stop receiving them after a short time. Many cheap IoT products are released quickly with little thought about long-term support. Even big brands sometimes drop older devices, leaving them exposed. Once support ends, any known flaw is basically a free pass for attackers.
Why It’s Such a Big Risk
- Permanent flaws – If a bug exists, it never gets fixed.
- Hidden entry points – Hackers use them as back doors into your network.
- Low visibility – Unlike phones or laptops, you rarely check your kettle for “firmware updates.”
- Cheap and common – Millions of vulnerable devices are already sitting in homes and offices.
Real-World Example
In 2022, researchers found that certain Wi-Fi cameras were shipped with flaws that allowed attackers to view live feeds remotely. The kicker? The manufacturer had gone bust, so no patch would ever arrive. Devices like these remain online, quietly exposing households and offices around the world.
How to Protect Yourself
- Research before buying – Look for brands with a track record of updates.
- Segment your network – Keep IoT devices on a guest network, away from work systems.
- Replace unsupported gadgets – If updates have stopped, consider upgrading.
- Check vendor support pages – See how long devices typically receive updates. For reference, see NCSC IoT Security Guidelines (opens in new tab).
- Stay informed – Follow trusted sites like BleepingComputer (opens in new tab) for reports on insecure devices.
Key Takeaway
Unpatchable smart gadgets turn convenience into a liability. Once the updates stop, the risks stay forever. The best defence isn’t ignoring smart tech—it’s knowing what you’ve got and managing it wisely.
Final Word
Think about it like this: you wouldn’t keep a broken lock on your front door. So why keep unpatchable gadgets plugged into your Wi-Fi?
At The Cyber Workshop, we help you spot the weak links in your digital life and secure them before they become a hacker’s playground.
👋 Till next time, check if your gadgets are still getting updates—or if they’ve been left behind.
