Evaluating the Security of IOT Devices in Smart Homes

Smart home technology has grown quickly, and many households now rely on IoT devices such as smart speakers, security cameras, connected lights, and home appliances. While these devices make daily living simpler and more efficient, they also open new doors for cyberattacks. Even a small security weakness—like a weak password or outdated firmware—can allow someone to access personal information or control home devices without permission. Because of this, understanding how secure these devices truly are has become an important topic for both users and developers. This research focuses on examining the security level of popular IoT devices used in smart homes. It looks at common issues including unsecured communication, poor authentication methods, and lack of timely updates. The study also evaluates how easily these devices can be targeted and what types of threats they are most vulnerable to. To support the analysis, information is collected through hands-on testing, user surveys, and review of security guidelines. The findings show that although IoT devices offer great convenience, many of them still do not meet basic security standards, mainly due to user negligence and limited built-in protection. The study concludes that improving device security requires stronger default settings, regular updates, better encryption, and increased awareness among users. By combining secure design with responsible usage, smart homes can become safer and more reliable for everyday life.