Smart home: connected living and working

The applications of smart home appliances in everyday life are diverse and range from simple control of the room ambient temperature to complex integration of several systems to increase security. For example, smart lighting systems can not only create a pleasant atmosphere, but also help to save energy by automatically switching off when no one is in the room. In addition, smart home appliances also offer a wealth of options for improving security in the home. From alarm systems that sound the alarm in the event of unusual activity to smart door locks that can be controlled remotely via smartphone, the range of security applications is impressive.

Nevertheless, the use of smart home appliances also harbors potential risks, especially in terms of cybercrime. The interconnectivity of appliances and systems can expose security vulnerabilities and open the door to attackers. An insecure smart home appliance could become a gateway for hackers who want to steal sensitive data or manipulate the system.

To minimize the risks of cybercrime in connection with smart home appliances, it is therefore crucial to ensure an adequate security infrastructure. This includes regularly updating software and firmware, using secure passwords and implementing encryption technologies to secure communication between appliances. It is also advisable to look out for an independent test mark when using smart home appliances in order to obtain separate confirmation that the application is flawless and secure.

Before you decide which components you want to install in your home, you should consider whether and to what extent your chosen system can be expanded. There are currently many stand-alone solutions on the market. These are proprietary technologies that may not be able to be combined with products from other manufacturers. You are therefore always dependent on the products and components of one manufacturer. However, there are now also a number of smart home offers where you can choose between different manufacturers when purchasing components. It's up to you which motion detector, smoke detector, speaker or lighting system you choose. When initially selecting a suitable system, make sure that it can be easily removed – even if you want to use components from different manufacturers.

If you are thinking about purchasing your own home network for your smart home system, it is advisable to think about your data security when setting it up. Within your network, you are releasing personal information, generating user data and opening potential windows for data leaks or hackers if you have an interface to the internet. For example, it could record when you come home, which appliances you use or how high your energy consumption is. To prevent this data from falling into the wrong hands, you should find out where your data is stored (e.g. in the cloud or encrypted on a local appliance) and how secure the system is before you buy it. This information is usually provided by the manufacturer.

To date, there are no legally prescribed security standards for smart homes. However, reputable providers have the security of their systems confirmed by test seals. The VDE Institute has responded to the growing demand for secure smart home systems and developed a smart home test platform that can be used to evaluate, test and certify all smart home technologies currently on the market. A test specification for information security and data protection in the smart home has been developed. The test specification is based on the Common Criteria security standard. In future, EU regulation will make cybersecurity protection measures mandatory in all appliances that communicate. The VDE Testing and Certification Institute can test and confirm these measures.

With AAL (Ambient Assisted Living), people of advanced age can live independently and safely in their own homes for longer. This involves technical concepts, products and services that can be used to improve quality of life in old age.

One assistance system that is already in widespread use is the home emergency call. This is an emergency call button that is triggered in dangerous situations. When triggered, the call for help is transmitted together with the location of the transmitter. There are also optional fall detection systems, height-adjustable cabinet systems and special universal remote controls that can be used to operate various household appliances. These assistance systems can not only report accidents at home, but also prevent them.

Fire accidents in the home, for example, can be prevented by intelligent systems, as the household appliances switch themselves off after a period of non-use. In this way, a safer life in your own home is possible even without 24-hour care.

But no matter how extensively smart home solutions can support people in their lives, they are never a substitute for human care.

VDE Verband der Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik e.V. and its affiliated companies (hereinafter each “VDE”) provide non-binding information on consumer protection topics. These publications are intended solely to raise general awareness of consumer protection in relation to electrotechnical products and issues. They expressly do not constitute professional or technical advice. The information is provided the best of one's knowledge and belief without having evaluated the actual conditions at a specific location or of a specific product.

While VDE makes every reasonable effort to ensure that the information is correct and complete, it cannot assume liability nor any warranty (neither explicitly nor implicitly) for the correctness, completeness or topicality of the content of the information provided.

The information may only be applied with the understanding that VDE cannot be held liable for any direct or indirect damage or loss of any kind. The use of the information provided does not release the user from the responsibility for his/her own actions and is therefore at his/her own risk.

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