It’s estimated that over 63 million U.S. households use smart devices.
And one smart device that has been around for years, and is becoming more mainstream, is smart refrigerators.
A smart refrigerator is like any other smart device: it connects to your home’s smart system and internet.
We all know that smart devices are prone to hacking, but how many people worry about hackers targeting their refrigerators?
One of the leaders in smart refrigerators has been Samsung.
And because Samsung is one of the most popular smart refrigerator makers, they are also a target for hackers.
In one case, hackers were able to use a security flaw to take control of a refrigerator and steal the owner’s Google login credentials.
The security flaw meant that anyone who had access to the refrigerator owner’s Wi-Fi could access the refrigerator.
Samsung’s smart refrigerators use different apps, including Google Calendar.
And hackers discovered that Samsung’s refrigerators didn’t validate security certificates when connecting to Google’s servers.
This meant their Google credentials were ripe for the picking.
Now, I realize many people love the benefits of using a smart refrigerator such as saving energy and reducing wasted food.
But as you’ve just heard they don’t come without risks.
So, here are a few reasons why I personally wouldn’t own a smart refrigerator.
Upfront cost:
A top-of-the-line smart refrigerator with all the bells and whistles will cost anywhere from $2,500 – $5,000.
These prices are considerably more than you will spend on a traditional refrigerator.
Personally, I would rather spend less on a refrigerator and buy two less expensive refrigerators, giving me more room for food storage.
Plus, in the off chance my refrigerator died, I would have another one to use that is ready to go.
Lifespan:
These days, many smartphones become outdated after a few years.
In some cases, the company that makes the smartphone will stop providing updates for older devices.
This could easily happen with smart refrigerators.
What would you do if after five years the company no longer provides updates?
So, not only are appliances today not made to last twenty years like the old days…
The last thing I want to do is replace a refrigerator after a few years just because the software is outdated.
Hacker’s dream:
Every device that connects to the internet is at risk of getting hacked. Which is why anti-virus software is so critical for computers.
And a smart refrigerator can be a weak point for cybersecurity, as you can see from the hack of Samsung’s refrigerators.
As these refrigerators become even more popular, hackers will use them to their advantage.
Keep in mind that most smart devices come out of the box with very few cyber security measures.
And while it seems like smartphones get updates monthly since hackers have discovered a flaw…
Most smart refrigerators don’t have regular security updates, and most smart refrigerators can’t use anti-virus software making them easy targets for hackers.
And would most people really take the time to make sure your smart refrigerator is up to date with the latest security every day or week?
Repairs:
Smart refrigerators are mechanically sophisticated. So, when they break it costs more to fix compared to a traditional refrigerator.
Of course, that’s if you can even find a quality repair person who will even tackle the job.
And even then, if something like the “motherboard” stops working, you might be forced to replace the entire refrigerator.
Sure, smart technology will one day become the norm.
But at this point, buying a traditional refrigerator outweighs the benefits of a smart one.
And obviously, it’s not just your refrigerator that could be connected to the internet.
Your TV, phone, laptop, iPad or e-reader, smart doorbell, maybe even your security cameras, etc. could all be linked to the web.
Which means there are multiple points of potential security failures you’re opened up to.
So, you absolutely must have a plan to secure yourself and your family from hackers and cyber-criminals…
A way to shield yourself regardless of the points of failure all around you.
