The Hidden Security Risks of Using Wi-Fi Baby Monitors

Wi‑Fi‑connected baby monitors offer practical peace of mind by letting you check on your little one with a glance at your phone. However, in a world facing growing concerns relating to data protection and home network vulnerabilities, you might be wondering, “Are Wi-Fi baby monitors safe?”

After getting freaked out by a strange voice coming through my friend’s monitor while on babysitting duty, I wasn’t sure about the answer.

I spoke to two cybersecurity specialists to help you decide whether a Wi‑Fi‑connected baby monitor belongs in your nursery. Below, I break down the benefits and drawbacks of these devices and share expert-approved, practical advice for how to secure your network and protect your home and family if you choose to use one.

Benefits of a Wi-Fi Baby Monitor

Unlike traditional baby monitors, which only work within a limited range, Wi‑Fi models connect to your home network. This allows you to check in from almost anywhere using a phone app. They’re ideal when you want to help your sitter soothe your baby while you’re out at work, or when you’re spending time in your yard and it’s out of range of a traditional model.

Mike Coogan, the Chief Information Security Officer at Brinks Home, explains that many models offer advanced features such as breathing movement tracking and real‑time alerts for crying, coughing or motion. These features can help you notice patterns and respond quickly to any concerns.

“Wi‑Fi connection also allows video clips to be saved directly to a phone, making it easy to keep meaningful memories,” Coogan says. “Plus, they enable multiple authorized users, such as partners or babysitters, to securely access the monitor.”

Are Wi-Fi Baby Monitors a Security Risk for My Home?

Like any device connected to your home network, Wi-Fi baby monitors rely on a stable, secure internet connection. Weak passwords, outdated software and unsecured networks can all leave devices vulnerable. A poorly protected monitor can become an entry point for broader network intrusions, increasing the risk of theft of personal information.

Aravind Prakash, an Associate Professor in the School of Computing at Binghamton University, highlights that cloud storage introduces an additional layer of risk. Audio, photos, and video from Wi‑Fi baby monitors are typically stored on remote servers managed by third‑party providers and accessed over the internet.

This introduces the possibility of ransomware attacks and privacy breaches. “If the cloud storage is compromised, a lot of sensitive information could be at risk,” Prakash says.

“Plus, if your data is lost or stolen, the legal recourse you have may be quite limited,” he explains. “The laws governing data security and privacy in the United States are still in their infancy.” This is particularly noticeable when compared to Europe, where data protection regulations are far more stringent.

Prakash explains that reputable companies do invest in security, but no system is 100% immune. “Cybersecurity is such a game of cat and mouse that when there’s a determined attacker, they can compromise the systems of even the most sophisticated companies,” he warns.

Could Wi-Fi Baby Monitors Put My Baby in Danger?

A Wi‑Fi‑connected baby monitor shouldn’t put your baby in direct danger if you use it responsibly. However, Coogan emphasizes that these devices depend on a reliable internet connection. “If the connection drops, video feeds and alerts can lag or stop altogether, which can be frustrating for parents who depend on real‑time updates,” he explains.

According to Coogan, the risks associated with Wi-Fi baby monitors are similar to those linked to other smart home security devices, including security cameras, video doorbells, and smart locks. “While it’s technically possible for a monitor to be misused as a surveillance tool, that risk is generally tied to poor network security rather than the monitor itself,” he says.

Prakash acknowledges that intrusions can happen, including unauthorized access to images or videos, or the disabling of alerts, which could prevent parents from responding when needed. “However, the example where you hear a voice through the monitor, that’s either a mistake or not a professional attacker whose interests go beyond just fun or mischief,” he says.

He explains that sophisticated hackers usually don’t bother targeting your average parents. Instead, he says they focus on specific individuals with well-defined goals. These pros are unlikely to reveal themselves by speaking through a monitor’s audio system.

Is a Wifi Baby Monitor Right for Me?

Whether a Wi‑Fi baby monitor is the right choice depends on your lifestyle, priorities, and comfort with connected technology.

“Local baby monitors, as in not connected to the internet, are generally safer and more secure when compared to those that are connected to the network,” Prakash says. However, they lack the flexibility and advanced features you may find valuable.

If you travel often, work outside the home, or rely on multiple caregivers, the convenience of a Wi-Fi baby monitor may outweigh the risks—especially when you put sensible security measures in place.

Security Tips for Using Wi-Fi Baby Monitors

If you decide to use a Wi‑Fi baby monitor, you need to take some basic security precautions. Fortunately, a few simple steps can significantly reduce your risk.

Prakash stresses the importance of changing default passwords and choosing strong alternatives. “Use multi‑factor authentication whenever available and possible,” he says. He also advises against sharing passwords with caregivers. “You can create individual profiles for them instead.”

Prakash also recommends selecting a reputable brand with a proven track record of not being compromised, rather than choosing the cheapest model on the market. While this can’t guarantee the cloud storage will remain intruder-free, it definitely reduces the risk. “The country the firmware security originates from and where the products were developed play a role in how much you can trust it,” he says.

According to Prakash, devices with bloated feature sets also present more opportunities for attackers. “Only enable the sensor capabilities on the device as you would need,” he says. If you don’t use audio or microphones, disabling them can help minimize risk.

For added protection, Coogan suggests placing smart devices, including baby monitors, on a separate Wi‑Fi network. This reduces the chance of a compromised monitor being used to access sensitive data elsewhere on your home network.

About the Experts

• Aravind Prakash is an Associate Professor in the School of Computing at Binghamton University, State University of New York.

• Mike Coogan is the Chief Information Security Officer at Brinks Home.

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