Security Threats and Risk Mitigation in Home Automation: A Qualitative Review of Challenges and Public Safety Considerations

Abstract

The adoption of home automation technologies has improved residential convenience and energy efficiency, but it has also introduced various cybersecurity risks. This qualitative literature review examines the primary security threats and risk mitigation strategies related to smart home environments. Key issues identified include unauthorized access, data breaches, device tampering, and privacy violations, often due to weak default configurations, user negligence, and the lack of unified security standards. The review synthesizes recent research findings and emphasizes the importance of integrating technical defences (e.g., encryption, multi-factor authentication), promoting cybersecurity literacy among users, and advancing regulatory frameworks. It stresses the need for collaboration among manufacturers, policymakers, researchers, and consumers to ensure smart home systems are secure, resilient, and privacy-preserving. These insights provide a foundation for future research and development aimed at improving security within the domain of smart home automation.