Smart Appliance Security in 2026: What Irish Shoppers Should Check Before Buying Connected Devices

Ecommerce Manager
Smart Appliance Security in 2026: What Irish Shoppers Should Check Before Buying Connected Devices

Smart Appliance Security in 2026: What Irish Shoppers Should Check Before Buying Connected Devices

From televisions and washing machines to dishwashers and robot vacuums, more household products can now connect to Wi-Fi, communicate with a mobile app and receive new features through software updates.

These connected features can be genuinely useful. A smart appliance might notify you when a cycle is finished, let you schedule cleaning, help diagnose a fault or give you access to additional settings. However, connecting a product to the internet also means considering software support, account security and privacy alongside familiar details such as capacity, energy efficiency and price.

This is becoming especially relevant in 2026. The EU Cyber Resilience Act is introducing new cybersecurity requirements for products containing digital elements. Its first reporting obligations begin in September 2026, although most of the Act's requirements will not apply until December 2027.

Here is what Irish shoppers should understand about the changes and what to check when comparing connected products today.

Why connected-device security matters

Internet-connected products are already part of everyday life. According to Eurostat data for 2024, 70% of people aged 16 to 74 in the EU had used at least one Internet of Things device. Smart TVs were the most common, used by 58%, while 13% had used a connected home appliance.

A connected product may rely on several components beyond the physical appliance. These can include an app, an online account, cloud services, your home router and software maintained by the manufacturer. If one part stops receiving support, some smart functions may become less reliable or secure even though the appliance itself still works.

This does not mean connected appliances should be avoided. It means software support should be treated as part of the product specification, particularly when buying something expected to remain in the home for many years.

What is changing under the EU Cyber Resilience Act?

The Cyber Resilience Act entered into force in December 2024. It introduces cybersecurity requirements for hardware and software products containing digital elements, including requirements relating to secure design, vulnerability handling and security updates.

There are two important dates for shoppers to understand:

  • 11 September 2026: manufacturers' reporting obligations begin. Actively exploited vulnerabilities and severe security incidents affecting relevant products must be reported through the Single Reporting Platform operated by ENISA.
  • 11 December 2027: most of the Act's main product requirements begin to apply.

The September milestone does not mean every connected product on sale immediately becomes fully compliant with the complete 2027 regime. It does, however, mark an important step towards more consistent reporting and greater manufacturer accountability when serious security problems are discovered.

The European Commission also published new implementation guidance in July 2026, including clarification on support periods, risk assessments and reporting obligations.

Seven checks to make before buying a smart appliance

1. Find out how long security updates will be provided

Ask whether the manufacturer publishes a software or security-support period for the product. This tells you how long the company expects to address newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Under the main Cyber Resilience Act regime, manufacturers will have to determine a support period. The legislation generally envisages support lasting at least five years unless the product is reasonably expected to be used for a shorter period. Products expected to remain in use for longer may require a longer support period.

For a television or major kitchen appliance, five years may still be considerably shorter than the physical life a shopper expects. Compare the published support commitment with how long you intend to keep the product.

2. Check how updates are delivered

Some products download firmware updates automatically. Others require the owner to approve an update in the manufacturer's app or install it manually.

Before buying, check whether automatic updates are available, whether the appliance itself displays update notifications and whether the accompanying app is still supported on your phone. After installation, enable automatic security updates where the option is available.

3. Look for strong account protection

Many connected products require a manufacturer account. Check whether the service supports two-factor authentication, sometimes called two-step verification. This adds another check when someone tries to sign in using your password.

Use a unique password for the appliance account rather than reusing one from email, shopping or social media. If several family members need access, use the manufacturer's household-sharing feature where available instead of sharing one password.

4. Ask what still works without the internet

A smart feature should complement the core product rather than unnecessarily control it. A washing machine should still wash clothes, a dishwasher should still run a programme and a robot vacuum should ideally retain useful controls if broadband or a cloud service is temporarily unavailable.

Ask which features need an internet connection, whether basic controls remain available on the appliance and what happens if the manufacturer's online service is discontinued.

5. Understand what information the product collects

Different connected products handle different types of information. A smart TV may record viewing preferences, while a robot vacuum may create a map of the home. Products with microphones or cameras require an additional level of consideration.

Review the privacy settings during setup. Disable data-sharing, personalisation, voice control, remote access or other functions you do not plan to use. App permissions can usually be reviewed later through your phone's settings.

6. Make sure your home network is ready

Your router is the connection point for most smart appliances. Protect it with a strong, unique administrator password and install router updates when they become available. WPA2 or WPA3 encryption should be enabled for the Wi-Fi network.

Some routers let you place smart products on a separate guest or Internet of Things network. This can provide additional separation from laptops and other devices containing sensitive files. You can explore current routers and range extenders at Euronics if your existing network needs an upgrade.

7. Check how to remove your information

A connected product should be factory-reset before it is sold, given away, recycled or returned. The reset should remove saved Wi-Fi details, linked accounts, household maps and other personal settings.

Check that reset instructions are available from the manufacturer. You may also need to remove the appliance from its app and unlink it from services such as Alexa, Google Home or Apple Home.

What to check in different product categories

Smart televisions

When browsing televisions at Euronics, consider the expected software-support period as well as picture quality and screen size. Check whether the TV platform supports the streaming apps you use, how updates are installed and which viewing-data settings can be changed.

If the television has a microphone, camera or voice assistant, confirm how these features can be disabled. Removing unused apps can also reduce unnecessary data collection and background activity.

Robot vacuum cleaners

Connected robot vacuum cleaners may store room maps, cleaning schedules and information from navigation sensors. Look for clear account controls, regular firmware updates and an easy way to delete stored maps.

It is also useful to know whether the vacuum can start, pause and return to its dock without the app. If a model includes a camera, review its privacy and remote-viewing controls particularly carefully.

Smart washing machines and dryers

Wi-Fi features on washing machines can provide cycle notifications, energy information, downloadable programmes or fault alerts. Decide which of these functions you will actually use.

Check whether the appliance can complete all essential programmes from its physical control panel. Remote-start functions may also include safety restrictions, so confirm exactly what can and cannot be controlled from outside the home.

Connected dishwashers

Smart dishwashers can offer cycle notifications, maintenance reminders and remote diagnostics. As with laundry appliances, the core programmes should remain straightforward to operate without an account or internet connection.

Remember that cybersecurity is only one part of the buying decision. Capacity, noise level, energy consumption, installation requirements and basket layout are likely to have a greater effect on everyday use.

A secure setup checklist for connected appliances

Once the product is installed, complete these steps before relying on its smart functions:

  • Download the official manufacturer app from your phone's recognised app store.
  • Create a unique account password and enable two-factor authentication where available.
  • Install the latest appliance firmware and app updates.
  • Turn on automatic security updates if the manufacturer provides the option.
  • Review privacy settings and disable features you do not need.
  • Check that your router uses a strong password and WPA2 or WPA3 encryption.
  • Register the product or subscribe to manufacturer security and support notifications.
  • Remove old or unused connected products from your network.

ENISA's smart-home security guidance similarly recommends researching a vendor's security measures, changing default passwords, installing updates, reviewing privacy settings and disabling unused features.

Do you need the smart version?

A connected feature is most valuable when it solves a real household problem. Remote fault information, useful cycle notifications, accessibility controls and energy monitoring may justify choosing a smart model. A feature that will never be configured should not outweigh capacity, reliability, energy efficiency or ease of use.

Before paying extra, ask yourself three questions:

  • Will I use the connected feature regularly?
  • Will the main appliance still work properly if the app or internet connection is unavailable?
  • Has the manufacturer clearly explained how long the software will be supported?

The best connected appliance is not simply the one with the longest feature list. It is one that performs its main job well, provides useful smart functions and comes with credible support for the years you expect to own it.

Choosing connected products with confidence

The EU Cyber Resilience Act should gradually make security support and vulnerability handling more consistent across connected products. However, its main product requirements do not apply until December 2027, so shoppers should continue asking practical questions now.

Compare update support, account protection, privacy controls and offline operation alongside the normal product specifications. You can browse home appliances, smart televisions and robot vacuum cleaners at Euronics.ie or speak to your local Euronics team about the features that will be most useful in your home.