It’s a question on many people’s minds given the increasingly digital world we live in today. Can smart thermostats be hacked? The answer is yes, but the risks are low as long as you have put in place the right security measures.
Smart home devices are getting more and more popular. According to Statista, the market for smart thermostats will generate almost $6bn this year, growing to $8bn by 2029. At that point, there will be over 280 million households using smart thermostats, so of course cyber criminals will look for ways to exploit poor security. This is why it’s so important to put strong digital habits in place to minimise the risks.
Because smart thermostats are becoming more and more indispensable for many homeowners who can now remotely control their heating and cooling. The ease of doing this through smartphone apps as well as having the benefit of machine learning to optimise energy use has meant they have become central to the modern smart home.
So what should the smart thermostat owner do? Well, any device connected to the internet comes with some level of risk. The key is to understand the risks and then put in place measures to prevent them.
So that’s what this article will cover. Our experts at Daikin understand how to integrate modern smart thermostats into HVAC systems and maintaining high safety standards. We were established back in 1924 and today employ over 100,000 people around the world, positioning us at the forefront of HVAC innovation for a century. So let’s get started.
How hackers could target smart thermostats
Let’s start by looking at how a hacker might target a smart thermostat so you can ensure that you avoid any issues. In short, they will target weak security practices, unpatched software, and poor encryption. In other words, if your Wifi network isn’t properly secured, they could try to access it and interfere with any devices that you have connected. It’s true that the likelihood of an attack on your thermostat is relatively low compared to banking data, hackers can use automated tools that search for easy entry points into networks.
So let’s break down the main things you need to be aware of:
Weak Wi-Fi passwords: Don’t even think about having a password like ‘123456’ or even one that you are reusing from another service. Do everything you can to make it as difficult as possible for hackers to break into your network.
Outdated firmware: Manufacturers release firmware updates for a reason – to patch any vulnerabilities. If you don’t install these updates then your thermostat has the potential to be open to security flaws.
Unencrypted data transmission: Keep in mind that some devices may not necessarily encrypt the data that they send or receive. Hackers could then intercept information as it moves between your thermostat and router.
Default settings: Avoid just using default usernames, passwords, and factory security settings. It makes them easy to target. Update everything, personalise it and make sure you use complex passwords.
When we look at it like this, it does sound rather concerning. But these risks can be easily mitigated if you’re proactive.
If you have any concerns, contact Daikin to learn how our secure HVAC solutions integrate with smart thermostats while supporting safe operation.
Risks of a hacked smart thermostat
The risks of a hacked smart thermostat include inconvenience, higher costs, and exposure of other connected devices. Let’s look at these in greater detail and how you can avoid them:
Unauthorised control of settings: Hackers could potentially adjust your thermostat’s heating or cooling remotely. While this may seem quite minor, it would be very disruptive if your thermostat is repeatedly messed around with.
Increased energy bills: This is a serious one. If someone is constantly turning heating or cooling to extreme settings it could really increase your bills. You don’t want to keep the AC running non-stop in summer if you’re not at home. This could add hundreds of dollars to your monthly expenses.
Strain on HVAC equipment: Thermostats don’t directly damage HVAC systems but if they’re not being used properly then they could cause a lot of unnecessary wear on the equipment.
Access to other devices: The issue is that a hacked thermostat could then become a kind of gateway to your other devices. So once inside your Wi-Fi network, a hacker might try to access your laptops or phones – or even your smart security system.
So in many ways the biggest risk is not really the thermostat itself. It’s that if a hacker gains access to it, they could use it as a springboard into your other devices.
How to protect your smart thermostat from hacking
How do you combat all of this? Simply, you can protect your smart thermostat by securing your home network, using strong authentication, and keeping your devices up to date. Let’s look at these a bit more closely:
Use strong passwords: If you create a Wi-Fi password with at least 12 characters then you’re off to a good start. Make sure you include numbers, symbols, and upper- and lowercase letters. Do not reuse passwords from other accounts.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): If your thermostat or the connected app supports 2FA then make sure you enable it. This will usually mean a second form of verification (like a code sent to your phone) will kick in, making it much harder for hackers to gain access.
Regularly update firmware: Make sure you check your thermostat’s app for updates. It’s easier to just enable automatic updates so you don’t have to think about it. These are important as they provide crucial security patches.
Secure your Wi-Fi network: Ensure your router is using WPA3 encryption and disable remote access to your router if you don’t need it. Do not give out your Wi-Fi password.
Change default settings: As soon as you get your device, update any default usernames or passwords.
FAQs
How common is smart thermostat hacking?
Smart thermostat hacking is rare and most incidents come from weak passwords or outdated devices. If you put in place good security practices then the chances are very low.
Can a hacked thermostat damage my HVAC system?
It’s unlikely to cause direct damage but misuse could shorten the lifespan of your system if it’s being forced to operate non-stop.
Do all smart thermostats have built-in security features?
Most good brands include features like encryption, automatic updates, and password protection. As mentioned, make sure you configure them properly.
What should I do if I suspect my smart thermostat has been hacked?
The first thing is to reset the thermostat to factory settings, then change your Wi-Fi and app passwords, and finally update the firmware.
About Daikin
Daikin has been a trusted leader in HVAC for more than 100 years. With over 100,000 employees worldwide and a strong presence in the Middle East, the company delivers innovative, reliable, and energy-efficient systems designed to work seamlessly with smart thermostats. Daikin’s solutions are built to not only improve comfort and efficiency, but also to integrate with secure, connected homes where safety and peace of mind are essential.
