Mercury Insurance Warns 70% of U.S. Homes Face 30 Cyberattacks Daily
Average smart homes face 30 cyberattacks daily, and 70% of U.S. households now use at least one connected device, increasing attack surfaces. Mercury Insurance urges homeowners to adopt strong unique passwords, WPA3 encryption, multi-factor authentication, firmware updates and network segmentation to curb intrusion losses.
1. Surge in Smart-Home Cyberattacks
Mercury Insurance data show that the average smart home encounters 30 cyberattack attempts each day as 70% of U.S. households deploy connected devices like video doorbells and smart locks. These intrusions not only threaten digital data but can grant unauthorized physical access if devices are compromised.
2. Mercury’s Cybersecurity Recommendations
The insurer advises homeowners to strengthen Wi-Fi networks with strong, unique passwords and WPA3 encryption, enable multi-factor authentication, and update device firmware and software regularly to close known vulnerabilities. Additional measures include network segmentation for smart devices, changing default credentials, and monitoring device activity to swiftly remove unused units.
3. Insurance Implications
Rising smart-home vulnerabilities may lead to increased claims for property damage and liability as digital breaches translate into physical losses. Mercury Insurance positions its policies to address this evolving landscape by educating customers on proactive defenses and potentially expanding coverage options tailored to cyber-physical risks.