Imagine your smart TV recording your living room conversations or your fitness tracker leaking your location to hackers. This isn’t a scene from a sci-fi movie; it is the new reality for millions of connected Indians.
As we settle into 2026, the convenience of “smart” living—from voice assistants to connected fridges—is clashing with a massive spike in privacy breaches. Recent reports from January 2026 indicate that India has become a primary target for mobile and IoT (Internet of Things) cyberattacks globally. With the government recently pushing the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025, and controversial mandates like the “Sanchar Saathi” app, the landscape of digital privacy in India is shifting fast.
Here is everything you need to know about the privacy risks hiding in your smart devices and how new regulations aim to protect you.
The Silent Threat: What’s Happening in 2026?
Smart devices are no longer just tools; they are data collectors. A recent cybersecurity report revealed that India accounted for a staggering 26% of observed mobile and IoT attacks globally in late 2025 and early 2026.
One specific incident that rang alarm bells was the “Android Void” malware. This backdoor attack infected over 1.6 million Android-based TV boxes, predominantly in India. Attackers used these compromised entertainment devices to remotely install malicious software, effectively turning harmless living room gadgets into spy tools.
Why Connected Devices Are Vulnerable
Unlike your laptop or smartphone, which receive regular security updates, many smart home devices (like smart bulbs, cheap CCTV cameras, and Wi-Fi routers) often lack basic security features.
- Weak Default Security: Many devices come with default passwords (like “admin/admin”) that users rarely change.
- Unencrypted Data: Some cheap IoT gadgets transmit your data—video feeds or voice commands—without encryption, making it easy for hackers to intercept.
- “Shadow IT” Risks: In many Indian households and home offices, people use unauthorized or unverified apps and devices that bypass standard security protocols, creating invisible entry points for cybercriminals.
The “Sanchar Saathi” Controversy & Government Mandates
In a move that has sparked intense debate, the Indian government issued a directive in late 2025 regarding the “Sanchar Saathi” security app.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) mandated that this security application be pre-installed on smartphones to help curb cybercrime and track lost devices. While the government cites safety and fraud prevention as the primary goals, privacy advocates and tech experts have raised concerns about “mass surveillance.”
Key Concerns:
- Undeletable Nature: Reports suggest the app cannot be easily uninstalled by the user.
- Data Access: The app requires deep permissions, including access to location and call records, which critics argue creates a “single point of failure” if the central database is ever hacked.
India’s New Shield: The DPDP Rules 2025
To balance these risks, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has rolled out the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025. These rules are a game-changer for how companies handle your data.
How this affects you:
- Strict Consent: Companies can no longer hide behind long, confusing Terms & Conditions. They must ask for your permission in clear, simple language before collecting data.
- Data Erasure: You now have the right to ask companies to delete your data when you stop using their service.
- Heavy Fines: Companies facing data breaches must notify the Data Protection Board and affected users within 72 hours, or face massive penalties.
What Happens Next?
The push and pull between convenience and privacy will define the Indian tech space in 2026.
- For Manufacturers: Expect stricter compliance checks. The days of dumping insecure, cheap IoT devices in the Indian market are numbered.
- For Consumers: You will see more “Consent Pop-ups” and privacy notices on your devices. While annoying, these are tools for your protection.
- Security Audits: The government is expected to ramp up security testing for all imported smart devices to prevent malware like Android Void from entering the country.
5 Steps to Lock Down Your Smart Devices
You don’t need to be a tech wizard to secure your home. Start with these simple steps:
Read More : Is Dark Mode Better for Your Eyes?
- Change Default Passwords: Never leave a device on its factory setting password.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): If your smart camera or app supports it, turn it on immediately.
- Create a “Guest” Wi-Fi: Keep your smart bulbs and fridges on a separate “Guest” network so hackers can’t jump from a smart bulb to your laptop.
- Update Firmware: Regularly check your router and device apps for updates.
- Check Permissions: Does your flashlight app need your location? If it asks for unnecessary access, delete it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can smart home devices really spy on me?
Yes. If a device has a camera or microphone and poor security, hackers can access it. Always cover cameras when not in use and buy from trusted brands.
Q2: What is the “Android Void” attack?
It is a recent malware attack that infected nearly 1.6 million Android TV boxes in India, allowing hackers to control the devices remotely.
Q3: Can I delete the government’s Sanchar Saathi app?
Current directives suggest the app is mandatory on new devices and difficult to remove. However, it is designed to help track lost phones and prevent fraud.
Q4: How do the new DPDP 2025 rules help me?
They give you legal power to demand that companies delete your personal data and force them to tell you immediately if your data has been stolen.
Q5: Is it safe to use cheap smart plugs or bulbs?
Cheaper unbranded devices often lack security updates. It is safer to use devices from reputed brands that prioritize security encryption.
