What is an immediate risk of malicious access to a database containing user information from smart home products?

The immediate risk of malicious access to a database containing user information from smart home products primarily involves the potential for a cybercriminal to change device behaviors. When attackers gain unauthorized access to such databases, they can manipulate the settings or functionalities of connected smart home devices. This could lead to serious safety and security concerns, as attackers might disable security systems, unlock doors, or alter device schedules, thereby putting users and their property at risk.

Changing device behaviors can range from harmless alterations to critical modifications that endanger personal safety. For example, a cybercriminal could reprogram a smart thermostat to extreme temperatures, disrupt security cameras, or disable alarms, creating vulnerabilities that could be exploited for further malicious actions. Therefore, the impact of such unauthorized access is not just about data exposure but also about actively compromising the user’s environment, making this scenario a significant immediate risk.