One in three Italian homes at risk of hacker attacks, Consumers' Forum warns

A warning on home security

Consumers' Forum, an independent body whose members include consumer associations, industrial and service companies and their trade associations, says roughly one in three Italian homes is potentially exposed to hacker attacks. Unauthorised access could cause damage of up to 10,000 euros per family. The group also points to the Cyber Resilience Act, under which new obligations for manufacturers only take effect in December 2027. The warning comes as smart devices spread quickly through Italian households.

Devices in Italian homes

The group counts more than 100 million digital devices in Italian homes. Its breakdown lists 50.3 million smartphones, 20.2 million computers (desktop and laptop), 22.2 million smart TVs and 7.4 million tablets. Il Sole 24 ORE gives a slightly higher total of 100.1 million. Beyond those screens, homes hold alarm and intrusion systems, surveillance cameras, connected appliances such as fridges and washing machines, boilers, thermostats, lighting, water and gas leak sensors and smart speakers.

Smartphones50.3

Computers (desktop and laptop)20.2

Smart TVs22.2

Tablets7.4

Smartphones

50.3 million

Computers (desktop and laptop)

20.2 million

Smart TVs

22.2 million

Tablets

7.4 million

Data from the article text

Smart home adoption

The Eumetra observatory found that only 4% of families had smart home devices or smart speakers linked to household appliances in 2017. By 2026 that share had risen to 33%, meaning one family in three. The Polytechnic of Milan observatory, cited by Il Sole 24 ORE, also confirms that the phenomenon is growing. The two Eumetra survey points show how quickly adoption has moved over the period.

20174%

202633%

2017

4 %

2026

33 %

Data from the article text

How an intrusion spreads

More connected devices also mean more entry points. An appliance with outdated software, a camera still using its default password or a vulnerable router can open the door to criminals. Hackers can steal personal and banking data, commit financial fraud, demand ransom through ransomware, or remotely tamper with locks, alarms and home systems. Compromised devices can also be used to attack other users and public or private infrastructure. Consumers' Forum estimates that a family may spend up to 1,500 euros to restore its home network, recover accounts, replace compromised devices and pay for specialist help. The group describes how the role of these devices has changed:

“are no longer simple tools, but real appendages of everyday life, through which people manage their homes, make purchases and take consumption decisions.”

Attacks on refrigeration systems

Fanpage describes an attack on refrigeration equipment at retail companies and stores across a large part of Europe. The attackers gained remote control of the systems and pushed a thermostat to 50 °C, which spoiled tens of tonnes of food and caused significant economic losses. The same outlet links the case to the wider problem of internet-connected devices running without adequate protection or regular updates. Fanpage notes that the number of smart devices in homes keeps rising, which raises the risk for each household.

What comes next

Consumers' Forum will present its latest report at a conference in Rome on Wednesday, 18 November. The timeline below marks that date and the December 2027 start of new producer obligations under the Cyber Resilience Act. The 1,500 euro restoration cost is the group's own estimate, while the 10,000 euro figure covers the most serious cases it describes.