In today’s increasingly digital world, connected devices are an integral part of daily life. From smart speakers and thermostats to fitness trackers and home security cameras, these devices offer convenience and automation—but they also present new privacy and security challenges. Recognizing the growing concern among consumers, Consumer Reports (CR) has undertaken comprehensive testing to evaluate how well these devices protect user data and defend against potential cyber threats.

CR engineers conducted tests in the cybersecurity and privacy testing lab focused on key criteria such as data encryption, vulnerability to unauthorized access, and the transparency of privacy policies. By examining a wide range of popular connected devices, their findings help consumers make informed decisions about which products prioritize security and user privacy. This ongoing effort underscores the importance of not only embracing smart technology, but also advocating for robust protections as our homes and lives become increasingly connected.

The CR engineers test popular connected devices to determine “which ones follow good cybersecurity and privacy practices.” When they encounter a problem, they contact the company and, sometimes, the conversation leads to product improvements.

Some products recently tested by CR include home security cameras and routers. In one case, CR engineers found that the maker of home hubs and devices was “sending unencrypted thumbnail images from its camera over the public network.” In another, CR engineers found that some routers were sending “WI-FI SSIDS and passwords in plain text across the local network and the public internet” so “a hacker could have relatively easy access to a person’s WI-FI password.”

I have always been a fan of Consumer Reports. This gives me one more reason to admire its work. As consumers, following the CR engineers’ tests in the cybersecurity and privacy testing lab is a no-brainer.