Smart vs. Connected

It is easy to use the terms smart and connected interchangeably, but the truth is they are not exactly the same thing.
Connected devices have ports, antennae, and protocols that facilitate communication between a product and its operating environment. A connected device can share data directly with other devices or over a network. The data transmission can be one way or two way.  Some wireless home speakers are solely connected, allowing you to play music from your smartphone via Bluetooth connection.

A smart device typically has an operating system that will let you connect with other information services, entertainment services or apps. For example a smart phone allows you to browse the internet and make calls, but it also lets you connect to apps. Smart thermostats are intelligent because they can make calculated decisions based on other system components, such as the owner's previous room temperature adjustments, built-in algorithms, and sensors.

Smart Devices Vulnerability

If you have smart home devices on your home WiFi network, such as light bulbs, security cameras, connected thermostat, etc., they might be vulnerable to hacking.


Here is a quick way to check if any of your devices can be found on the internet. Click on the link and it will check if your devices might be vulnerable. Not perfect, but it can provide an early warning. You can use it each time you add a new device. LINK