Smart home technology makes life more convenient — you can turn on the lights, adjust the thermostat, or check your security cameras right from your phone. But when you use your smart home apps while away from home, you also open the door to new security risks. Public Wi-Fi, weak passwords, and outdated software can make it easier for hackers to access your devices. Here’s how to keep your digital home safe, even when you’re on the move.

Understand the Risks — and Why They Matter

When you control your home through an app, your phone communicates with a server that sends commands to your devices. That means your data travels across the internet — and if the connection isn’t secure, it can be intercepted.

Public Wi-Fi networks in coffee shops, hotels, or airports are especially vulnerable. Hackers can set up fake networks or monitor traffic on unsecured ones. If you log into your smart home app over an unsafe connection, your login credentials could be stolen.

Læs også:

Is Your Energy Management Working? How to Evaluate Its Real-World Impact

Smart Home

Is your energy management setup truly making a difference? Learn how to assess its performance, interpret your energy data, and make smart adjustments that boost efficiency, comfort, and sustainability in your home.

Safety on the Go: How to Protect Yourself When Using Smart Home Apps Away from Home

Smart Home

Managing your smart home from afar is convenient—but it can also expose you to digital threats. Learn how to protect your devices, data, and privacy when using smart home apps on the go, from securing your connections to building safer online habits.

Understand Your Energy Use with Data from Your Smart Home

Smart Home

Discover how your smart home can do more than automate daily tasks. By analyzing data from connected devices, you can understand your energy habits, cut unnecessary consumption, and make your home more efficient and eco-friendly.

Light with Care: Plan a Smart Lighting System That Fits Your Home

Smart Home

Discover how to design a smart lighting system that enhances comfort, mood, and energy efficiency. Learn to choose the right technology, create lighting zones, and plan for a flexible, future-ready home.

Always Use Secure Connections

The easiest way to protect yourself is to make sure your connection is encrypted.

• Use your mobile data instead of public Wi-Fi. Your cellular connection is much safer than an open network.
• Consider a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it much harder for anyone to see what you’re doing.
• Check that your app uses HTTPS. This ensures that communication between the app and the server is encrypted.

If you frequently use smart home apps while traveling, a VPN subscription can be a worthwhile investment — especially when connecting to networks you don’t control.

Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication

One of the most common reasons smart home devices get compromised is weak or reused passwords. Always use unique, complex passwords for both your app and your manufacturer account.

• Use a password manager to keep track of your credentials.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second verification step, such as a code sent via text or an authentication app.
• Change your passwords regularly, especially if you suspect they may have been exposed.

Two-factor authentication is one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access — even if someone gets hold of your password.

Keep Apps and Devices Updated

Updates aren’t just about new features — they also fix security vulnerabilities. Manufacturers regularly release updates for both apps and devices to protect against known threats.

• Turn on automatic updates whenever possible.
• Check for firmware updates for your devices through the app.
• Avoid outdated products that no longer receive security patches.

A good habit is to set a monthly reminder to make sure everything — from your phone to your smart home hub — is up to date.

Be Mindful of What You Share

Many smart home apps collect data about your home, habits, and location. When you use the app away from home, you might be sharing more than you realize.

• Review app permissions. Only grant access to what’s necessary for the app to function.
• Turn off location sharing if you’re not using features like geofencing.
• Read the privacy policy to understand how your data is stored and used.

The less personal information you share, the less can be misused if your account is ever compromised.

Use Separate Networks at Home

Even when you’re away, you can strengthen your home network’s security. Consider setting up a separate Wi-Fi network for your smart home devices. That way, if one device is hacked, the attacker won’t have access to your personal computers or files.

When you control your devices remotely, you’ll be communicating with an isolated system — reducing the risk of a breach spreading to other parts of your network.

Make Security a Habit

Security isn’t just about technology — it’s about behavior. Just as you lock your doors when you leave home, you should make digital safety part of your routine.

• Log out of apps you’re not using.
• Avoid saving login details on shared or public devices.
• Be cautious of emails or messages asking you to “verify” or “update” your account — they could be phishing attempts.

By making security second nature, you protect both your home and your data — no matter where you are.

A Safe Smart Home — Wherever You Go

Smart home technology should make life easier, not riskier. With a few simple precautions, you can use your apps safely from anywhere. Secure your connections, strengthen your passwords, and keep your devices updated — so you can adjust the lights, check the cameras, or turn down the heat with confidence, even when you’re miles from home.