Smart gadgets have crept into almost every corner of modern life, from phones and watches to doorbells, speakers, and home security systems.
But experts warn many of these devices are quietly collecting far more information than people realise – and in some cases, that data can put homeowners and consumers at real risk.
From tracking daily routines and locations to recording conversations and identifying high-value possessions, smart tech can build a surprisingly detailed picture of your life.
Cybersecurity specialists warn that when this data is poorly protected, misused, or accessed by the wrong people, the consequences can go far beyond targeted ads.
According to Danny Toffel, CEO of Watches2U, the risk is especially high for people who own luxury items.
“Most people don’t think of data as a security issue,” Mr Toffel said. “But when devices reveal what you own, where you live, and when you’re out, that information can be extremely valuable to criminals.”
Experts warn that compromised or oversharing devices can be used to:
- Identify valuable items inside a home, such as watches or jewellery
- Track when a property is empty
- Enable targeted burglaries rather than opportunistic crime
- Fuel identity fraud, phishing, or financial scams
- Expose private conversations or images
Smart doorbells, fitness trackers, and connected watches are among the devices most commonly flagged by privacy experts, as they collect location data, behavioural patterns and audio or video recordings.
“The danger isn’t always hacking,” Mr Toffel said. “Often it’s people unknowingly oversharing through apps, permissions, and default settings. A device can quietly map your lifestyle without you ever noticing.”
Luxury owners face a particular risk, he added.
“If someone can infer you own a high-value watch or jewellery, that shifts you from a random target to a deliberate one,” Mr Toffel said. “That’s a very different level of exposure.”
UK regulators have warned that smart devices operating inside private homes pose unique privacy risks because they collect data in intimate spaces. While product security laws now require minimum cybersecurity standards, experts stress that user behaviour still plays a major role.
Mr Toffel added: “Convenience always comes with trade-offs. If you wouldn’t tell a stranger your routine, your valuables, and when you’re away, you shouldn’t let your gadgets do it either.”
