Choose the type of device that serves your household task, then check the exact model’s security-update period and the accounts or apps needed to use it. Cameras and doorbells need particular attention to remote access; speakers, TVs, streaming devices and connected appliances can also bring ongoing reliance on updates and online services.
If you want remote viewing or alerts from a camera, baby monitor or video doorbell, consider who can access the feed and whether you can manage passwords, updates and remote-viewing settings. The National Cyber Security Centre advises turning off internet remote viewing when it is not needed, while noting that this can affect other features.
Speakers, displays and connected appliances may need an internet connection, an app or an online account for setup or management, as GOV.UK explains. Check whether everyone who needs to use the device can work with those requirements.
For a smart TV or streaming device, check the exact model’s security-support period before committing to its connected features. The National Cyber Security Centre advises against buying devices that are no longer supported or nearing the end of support.
Start with the feature you would actually use. Then apply the same update-support and account checks to the category you choose.
Consider when: Live viewing or remote alerts serve a clear household need.
Trade-off: Turning off remote viewing can reduce exposure but may also remove alerts or smart-home integration, according to the National Cyber Security Centre.
Consider when: Voice control, household information or control of other smart devices is the main task.
Trade-off: Check whether the required app and account arrangements suit the household.
Consider when: Connected-TV functions or streaming services are the objective; a streaming device may also let you keep an existing television.
Trade-off: Continued use of connected features depends on the device’s services and support, so check the exact model.
Consider when: Monitoring, alerts or remote control would be useful for a specific household task.
Trade-off: An app or account may become part of managing the appliance; check whether that connected feature is worth the dependency.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Security-update support | Find the exact model’s stated minimum period for important security updates; an automatic-update setting does not tell you when support ends. | If I intend to keep a connected device for years, I want to know when important security updates are due to end. Around 31% of consumers put documented update support first. |
| Accounts and privacy | Check account requirements, password controls, available two-step verification and how household access is shared. | When several people use one connected device, I need to understand who can sign in and manage it. Roughly 25% of consumers make account and privacy control their primary concern. |
| Camera remote access | Check remote-viewing controls and whether switching them off would also affect alerts or integration. | If I want to view a doorbell or camera while away, I need to decide who can reach its feed and which features require remote access. About 25% of consumers put that camera-specific issue first. |
| Setup and ongoing use | Confirm the required internet connection, compatible setup device and app or online account. | Before bringing a smart device home, I need to know whether everyone who will manage it can use the required app and account. Approximately 19% of consumers prioritise that practical fit. |
A device can download updates automatically without that statement telling you how long important security updates will continue.
Before buying, look for the manufacturer’s minimum security-update period for the exact model, not just a general description of automatic updates.
The consumer connectable product-security requirements apply to relevant products, but GOV.UK identifies exclusions and conditions, including provisions affecting certain Northern Ireland supplies.
Check whether the particular product and supply route fall within the requirements before using a regulatory disclosure as your comparison point.
The National Cyber Security Centre warns that unauthorised access to a camera can expose images or live feeds. Turning off remote viewing when it is unnecessary may affect alerts or integration.
Decide whether remote viewing is essential, then check the exact device’s password, sharing, two-step-verification and remote-access controls.
As GOV.UK notes, some smart devices need an internet connection, smartphone app or account for setup or management. That matters if the intended user cannot readily use the required setup method.
Read the model’s setup instructions and check how other household members would gain access before choosing it.
Relevant to households considering connected video doorbells, cameras and related monitoring accessories.
Relevant to connected-home cameras, doorbells, speakers, displays and thermostats.
Relevant to households considering Echo speakers or Fire TV streaming devices and their associated services.
Relevant internet- or network-connected consumer products can include smart speakers, TVs, streaming devices, doorbells, baby monitors, security cameras and domestic appliances, as described by the National Cyber Security Centre. GOV.UK also identifies exclusions and conditions, so check the rules for the particular product and supply route rather than assuming every connected item is covered.
Check the manufacturer’s current support, product-security or compliance information for the exact model. For relevant UK consumer connectable products, the requirement described by the National Cyber Security Centre is for manufacturers to state the minimum period for important security updates; a statement that updates install automatically answers a different question.
Use a strong, unique password where applicable, change an easily guessable default, enable two-step verification if offered and install available device and app updates. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the exact model and review who in the household has account access.
Possibly, but the remaining features depend on the model. The National Cyber Security Centre advises disabling internet remote viewing when it is not needed, while noting that doing so may stop movement alerts or smart-home integration; check those effects before choosing a camera for a particular task.
Consider a device with a support period that better fits how long you intend to use it. The National Cyber Security Centre advises avoiding unsupported devices or those nearing the end of support because they can become easier to compromise or may stop working as designed; check the exact model’s current support information before deciding.