Network Security in Smart Home Environments Threats and Mitigation

Abstract

The rise of smart home technologies has introduced significant advancements in convenience, energy efficiency, and personalization for consumers. However, the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in domestic settings has also created substantial vulnerabilities in home network security. This paper examines the unique security threats facing smart home environments, such as unauthorized access, data breaches, and device manipulation by cyber attackers. An in-depth analysis is provided on both internal threats (like insecure device configurations) and external threats (such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks and malware propagation). Furthermore, this study evaluates various mitigation strategies, including encryption protocols, secure network architecture, device authentication, and machine learning-based anomaly detection systems, to address these challenges. By assessing current best practices and future directions, this research aims to enhance the security framework within smart home ecosystems, emphasizing user privacy and resilience against cyber threats.