Growing IoT Vulnerabilities Threaten Connected Homes

• •Smart TVs, smart plugs, and NAS devices account for two-thirds of IoT vulnerabilities.
• •The average household now has 24 connected devices, increasing exposure to attacks.
• •Automated reconnaissance scans constitute 90.1% of detected attack activity.

The 2026 IoT Security Landscape Report by Bitdefender and NETGEAR reveals significant security vulnerabilities in connected devices, particularly smart TVs, smart plugs, and network-attached storage (NAS). The report analyzed 5.4 billion security events and 1.2 billion vulnerability observations from 10.4 million smart homes. It found that smart TVs alone accounted for 270.3 million vulnerability observations, indicating they are prime targets for cybercriminals. The average household now has 24 connected devices, increasing the potential attack surface. Automated reconnaissance scans made up 90.1% of detected attack activity, highlighting the speed at which attackers exploit vulnerabilities. The report also discusses the risks of residential proxy software embedded in smart TV apps, which can relay third-party traffic through home networks. The findings emphasize the urgent need for router-level protection to mitigate risks of malware and identity theft.