Smart Homes, Smarter Risks

Modern estates showcase themselves through seamless technology. Climate systems that adapt automatically, security that runs silently, and entertainment that follows family and guests across spaces.

But this apparent simplicity masks complexity. Each device is a point of control… and of vulnerability.

- Privacy breaches
Voice assistants, cameras, and microphones can all capture sensitive moments. Without strict management, these recordings can be stored offsite, sometimes indefinitely.

- Weak security

Many smart locks, cameras, or sensors are installed with default credentials still in place. Criminals often exploit these to gain access, either remotely or in person.

- Data exposure

Smart devices routinely connect to manufacturers’ cloud servers. In many cases, this data leaves the country, ending up in jurisdictions with weaker privacy protection.

- Reputation at risk

For prominent families, even a trivial data leak, an overheard conversation or an exposed camera feed, can have disproportionate consequences.

- Device proliferation

In some homes, we catalogue hundreds of devices. Thermostats, televisions, security cameras, pool sensors, wine cellar controls, and more. Without oversight, this digital sprawl grows unchecked.

- Vendor silos

AV firms, security contractors, and IT providers each install systems in isolation. Integration is left as an afterthought, if at all. The result, overlapping apps, conflicting control panels, and weak points in the estate’s digital structure.

- Neglected updates

Once installed, many devices are rarely, if ever, updated. A single unpatched camera can compromise an entire estate network.

- Staff turnover

Residences with frequent staff changes are particularly vulnerable. Former staff often retain logins or app access, sometimes for months or years after leaving.

- Comprehensive audit

Map every device, its purpose, and its access pathways. Identify which apps are installed on staff devices. Review permissions and revoke unnecessary access.

- Credential discipline

Eliminate all default passwords. Enforce unique, strong credentials for every system. Where possible, integrate systems into a single estate-managed authentication process.

Update and patch management

Establish regular cycles for firmware and software updates across all devices. Build responsibility for this into supplier contracts.

Data sovereignty controls

Prioritise solutions that keep data on-premises. Where cloud services are essential, select providers that host data within trusted jurisdictions with strong protections.

- Network segregation

Place smart devices on isolated networks, separate from the principal’s personal devices and core estate systems. Use monitoring to detect unusual traffic, signalling compromised devices.

- Governance and oversight

Make system approval part of a structured estate process. Every new device or app should be reviewed before it’s introduced, ensuring alignment with estate-wide standards.

One family residence we supported had 250+ devices spread across three buildings. Each system had been added piecemeal by contractors over the years. Thermostats, cameras, and entertainment systems all ran independently. Staff turnover meant at least 15 former employees still had app access.

We audited every device, isolated them on dedicated networks, and introduced centralised authentication. Outdated access was revoked, and all cloud data was repointed to EU-based servers. Within three months, the principal’s confidence was restored.

A home can only be called “smart” when its intelligence extends to security. Without discreet oversight, complexity quietly becomes exposure. With it, families achieve what smart living should always deliver, simplicity, safety, and peace of mind.