Smart Home Security Quick-Start Checklist: Lock Down Your Smart Home, Step by Step

Is Your Smart Home the Weak Spot in Your Security?

• A camera or older device still uses the password it shipped with.
• You couldn't name every device connected to your Wi-Fi.
• An ex or old roommate can still see your doorbell feed or control your lights.
• Your devices haven't had a firmware update since the day you set them up.
• Smart plugs and bulbs share a network with your laptop and banking apps.
• An old hub or camera sits in a drawer, still connected to your account.

Smart devices often ship with weak defaults, and they stay that way until someone changes them. A breached camera, doorbell or hub can expose your home, your schedule and your network.

The Smart Home Security Quick-Start Checklist walks you through the steps that apply to almost every smart device, in the order that matters most. Take stock of what you own, lock the accounts, fix the defaults, then secure the router that connects it all.

What's inside:

✅ Inventory First: list every smart device, match each one to its app and account, and remove anything you no longer use.

✅ Lock The Accounts: unique passwords, two-factor authentication, and removing old roommates or former partners from shared access.

✅ Update & Defaults: update firmware, turn on auto-updates, change default passwords, and turn off features you don't use.

✅ Network & Router: update your router, put smart devices on a guest network, and turn off UPnP and WPS unless you need them.

✅ Pro Tip: why forgotten devices are the ones to find first.

Who it's for:

• Owners of cameras and video doorbells
• Ring, Nest and Alexa households
• Owners of smart plugs, bulbs and hubs
• New homeowners and renters
• Renters who moved in with someone else's smart devices
• Anyone setting up their first smart device

Why it works: It's one page, works with almost any brand, and goes in order of importance, so even doing only the first steps makes a difference.

📄 1-page printable PDF (US Letter) · Instant download · Unlimited personal printing

A Making Sense Of Security guide: free guides and tools at MakingSenseOfSecurity.com

Save With A Bundle

This card is part of a $5 bundle — get the full set and save:

• Smart Home & Network Security Bundle — $5

Great Companion Guides

Pair this checklist with:

• Router Hardening Cheat Sheet
• Smart Speaker Privacy Settings Card
• Smart TV Privacy Settings Card
• Spotting Malicious Apps Cheat Sheet
• Public WiFi Safety Card
• Phone Location Privacy Settings Card

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