How Australia’s Mandatory Cybersecurity Codes Could Affect Smart Home Installers
Cybersecurity has long been considered the domain of IT professionals and network administrators, but in 2024, that changed. With the introduction of the Australian Government’s mandatory Security Standards for Smart Devices, responsibility for digital safety has begun to shift into the hands of the broader technology sector, including smart home integrators.
These new regulations were born out of the voluntary Code of Practice for IoT Security, first introduced in 2020. Now legally enforceable, they impose clear minimum security standards for any smart device sold in Australia. That includes everything from connected lights and smart doorbells to thermostats, voice assistants, and surveillance systems. While manufacturers and importers bear the most direct regulatory burden, smart home integrators are quickly finding themselves swept into the compliance net.
This represents a fundamental change. Until now, product choice was largely a matter of client preference, functionality and aesthetics. Price and performance often dominated the conversation. But with cybersecurity standards in place, integrators must begin considering how compliant a device is – legally, technically and practically – before it can be specified, installed or supported. These standards require devices to include unique identifiers, the ability to receive security updates, secure authentication protocols, and public documentation of support periods. Default passwords are banned, and devices must be protected against common remote access vulnerabilities.
These requirements are not theoretical. Devices that fail to comply may be subject to recall or market removal, and installers who have specified them could be left in the awkward position of explaining why a client’s system is now obsolete or insecure. Already, some councils and builders are beginning to ask for documentation that proves systems meet the new cybersecurity baseline. In time, this documentation may become a standard handover requirement, much like electrical compliance certificates or antenna alignment reports.
Smart home professionals must now be able to prove their systems are secure, not just functional. That means tracking product compliance through official manufacturer statements or independent verification. Brands that previously dominated the market may fall behind if they are slow to comply, while others, especially those with a long track record in enterprise security, are already using their adherence to the code as a selling point. For installers, staying aligned with compliant manufacturers will be crucial, not only to ensure legal safety but to protect client confidence.
This also means changes to workflows. Before installation begins, integrators may need to obtain and store compliance declarations or datasheets. During commissioning, it will become essential to change default credentials, enable multi-factor authentication where possible, and guide users in setting secure passwords. When it comes to handover, a detailed system summary listing all connected devices, their support periods, firmware versions and security features will soon be expected. For larger homes, MDU deployments, or installations in aged care or disability support housing, such documentation could become a contractual requirement.
Post-installation, the story continues. Firmware and security updates are not one-off tasks. Installers who provide ongoing service contracts will need to manage update schedules, track end-of-support dates, and recommend replacements for devices that no longer receive critical patches. Clients will want to know whether their voice assistant is still secure, or if the camera watching over their baby still receives updates. Without visibility over these lifecycle events, the integrator risks leaving clients exposed to vulnerabilities and themselves exposed to potential liability.
Importantly, cybersecurity is not just about the device. It is about the network as a whole. Installers must take responsibility for how their systems interact with home routers, cloud services and mobile apps. This includes configuring guest networks, separating IoT devices from sensitive personal systems, changing router credentials, disabling unused ports, and ensuring that remote access is secured through encrypted tunnels or approved platforms. Many clients do not have the expertise to do this themselves. They will rely on the integrator to deliver not just a working system, but a secure one.
As high-profile breaches continue to make headlines in Australia, consumer expectations are shifting. Incidents like the Optus and Medibank breaches, while not related to home technology, have heightened awareness about digital security. People are beginning to ask sharper questions. Who can access my cameras? Where is my data stored? How long is this device supported? Why does this thermostat want my location?
Integrators who can answer these questions clearly and confidently will gain trust. Those who cannot may lose projects or face reputational damage if their system becomes the weak point in a broader network compromise. This is especially true in homes where privacy is paramount, such as for high-net-worth clients, public figures or vulnerable residents.
The legal environment is also likely to expand. While the current Security Standards for Smart Devices focus on suppliers, the broader Cyber Security Strategy 2023 to 2030 lays out a roadmap for a more regulated technology ecosystem. That strategy includes goals to make Australia a world leader in cyber secure technology, with expectations that all parts of the tech supply chain, including integrators, will be accountable for the systems they touch. In time, failure to comply with best practices may not just risk a client complaint but trigger a regulatory inquiry.
We are already seeing early signs of this shift. Insurers are starting to explore risk assessments based on system configuration and support. Some providers are reviewing policies to include clauses about smart home installations. In future, an integrator’s compliance documentation may influence whether a homeowner receives a payout after a data-related incident. Builders on government contracts may soon require proof that all smart systems in their developments meet the national standard. Integrators may be asked to complete cybersecurity checklists, sign project declarations, or participate in compliance audits. The days of plug-and-play with no documentation are coming to an end.
For some, these developments may feel like an added burden. But for those who see the bigger picture, this is a chance to rise above the noise. As the market matures, clients will favour professionals who deliver secure, transparent and future-ready systems. Integrators who understand cybersecurity will not just install products. They will solve problems, prevent risks and become valued advisors in a field where trust is everything.
The technical bar for entry into smart home integration has never been lower, thanks to DIY products and simplified platforms. But the bar for excellence is rising. Clients are no longer just looking for convenience. They want systems that are private, secure and resilient. The integrator’s role is changing accordingly, from hardware installer to security-minded system designer and network steward.
The industry must respond in kind. Training organisations, trade associations and manufacturers must prioritise cybersecurity in their education and outreach. Best practice guides, updated certification programs and accessible compliance resources will all help raise the bar. But ultimately, it is the integrators who need to internalise this shift. Cybersecurity is not just a product feature. It is now a core part of the job.
There are parallels here to the evolution of the electrical and communications trades. Where once a cable run was enough, now there is a focus on compliance, safety and performance. The same transformation is now underway in the world of smart home technology. Those who adapt will lead. Those who resist may find themselves left behind.
The smart home is no longer a novelty. It is a fundamental part of how Australians live, work and interact with their environment. And with that integration comes responsibility. When a camera is hacked, when a microphone is breached, or when an unpatched system is used to access sensitive data, it is not the manufacturer alone who is held to account. It is also the person who chose the system, installed it and handed over the keys.
The integrator is no longer just a technician. They are a gatekeeper to privacy and digital safety. As this new regulatory environment takes hold, the best integrators will not fear the change. They will lead it.