What immediate steps does Mercury Insurance recommend for homeowners to secure smart homes (MCY)?

Mercury Insurance recommends strong Wi‑Fi passwords, WPA3, updates, MFA, and network segmentation . According to Mercury Insurance, these simple measures reduce unauthorized access and lower both digital intrusions and potential physical risks tied to compromised devices.

Average Smart Home Faces 30 Cyberattacks a Day - Mercury Insurance Shares How to Stay Protected

Rhea-AI Impact

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Rhea-AI Sentiment

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Rhea-AI Summary

Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) warns that connected homes face rising digital risks and offers practical steps to reduce cyber intrusions and related physical losses. The company highlights that simple actions—secure Wi‑Fi, firmware updates, MFA, network segmentation, change defaults, and device monitoring—can materially lower exposure.

Mercury urges homeowners to treat cybersecurity like routine home maintenance to protect property, privacy and peace of mind.

Key Figures

Daily cyberattacks: 30 cyberattacks per day Smart-home adoption: 70% of U.S. households

2 metrics

Daily cyberattacks 30 cyberattacks per day Average smart home exposure cited in headline

Smart-home adoption 70% of U.S. households Households using at least one connected device

Market Reality Check

Price: $86.77 Vol: Volume 267,249 is at 1.05...

normal vol

$86.77 Last Close

Volume Volume 267,249 is at 1.05x the 20-day average of 253,425 shares. normal

Technical Price $86.77 is trading above the 200-day MA at $82.33 and 13.28% below the 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

MCY fell 1.57% while peers were mixed: SIGI +0.65%, HGTY +1.14%, WTM -0.85%, KMP...

MCY fell 1.57% while peers were mixed: SIGI +0.65%, HGTY +1.14%, WTM -0.85%, KMPR -1.86%, LMND -4.79%, suggesting stock-specific trading rather than a unified sector move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Mar 26 (Neutral)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Mar 26	Spring weather risks	Neutral	-0.1%	Outlined top spring weather-related home risks and mitigation steps.
Mar 24	Insurance fraud trends	Neutral	+1.2%	Warned about sophisticated, digital insurance fraud and consumer protections.
Mar 19	Used-car market update	Neutral	+0.1%	Discussed tight used-car market, prices near $26,000 and buyer guidance.
Mar 17	Driving habits & fuel	Neutral	-0.9%	Linked aggressive driving to up to 40% lower fuel economy and higher costs.
Mar 12	California road laws	Neutral	-1.1%	Explained new 2026 California driving laws and safety-related changes.

Pattern Detected

Recent Mercury releases have been consumer-education themed, with generally modest next-day price moves around each announcement.

Recent Company History

Over the past few weeks, Mercury Insurance has issued several consumer-focused advisories, from March 12 California driving law updates to March 26 weather-related home claim risks. Prior pieces also covered used-car market dynamics and rising digital insurance fraud. Price reactions to these news items were small, ranging from about -1.15% to +1.21%, indicating that similar educational updates typically coincided with limited share volatility.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement emphasizes cybersecurity as a key component of home protection, noting that connec...

Analysis

This announcement emphasizes cybersecurity as a key component of home protection, noting that connected homes face frequent digital threats and that basic safeguards can reduce risk. It adds to Mercury’s recent stream of consumer-focused guidance on weather, fraud, and driving behavior. Investors may watch for how the company continues integrating cyber risk education into its broader property and casualty offerings and communications strategy.

Key Terms

wi-fi, firmware, multi-factor authentication, mfa, +1 more

5 terms

wi-fi technical

"relying on Wi-Fi networks, mobile apps and smart devices"

Wireless networking technology that lets devices connect to the internet and each other without cables, acting like an invisible bridge between phones, computers, sensors and routers. Investors care because Wi‑Fi influences how products and services are used, how much equipment and infrastructure companies must build or upgrade, and where revenue or costs may shift — stronger or wider Wi‑Fi can boost customer engagement, enable new services, and create security and regulatory risks that affect valuations.

firmware technical

"Firmware and software updates often include critical security patches"

Firmware is the built-in software that tells a physical device how to operate, stored in the device’s permanent memory rather than on a removable app. Think of it as the instruction manual glued into a gadget’s brain that controls basic functions and features. Investors care because firmware updates or flaws can change a product’s capabilities, security, repair costs, regulatory compliance and customer satisfaction, all of which can affect sales, margins and company value.

multi-factor authentication technical

"Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Adding a second layer of verification"

A security method that requires users to prove their identity in two or more different ways before accessing accounts or systems, such as combining a password with a one-time code sent to a phone or a fingerprint. For investors, it reduces the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive accounts, lowers chances of fraud or data breaches, and helps protect a company’s financials and reputation—similar to needing both a key and a fingerprint to open a safe.

mfa technical

"Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Adding a second layer"

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security method that requires users to provide two or more different proofs of identity—something they know (like a password), something they have (like a phone or hardware token), or something they are (like a fingerprint)—before gaining access to an account or system. For investors, MFA acts like a second and third lock on an online brokerage or corporate portal, greatly reducing the risk of unauthorized trades, stolen personal data, account takeovers, and resulting financial loss or reputational damage.

wpa3 encryption technical

"Use strong, unique passwords and enable WPA3 encryption when available"

WPA3 encryption is the current standard for securing Wi‑Fi connections, using stronger password protection and tougher scrambling of wireless data so eavesdroppers and hackers find it much harder to intercept or guess network traffic. For investors, adoption of WPA3 matters because it lowers the risk of costly security breaches, helps products and services meet regulatory or customer trust expectations, and can be a competitive advantage for companies selling connected devices or network equipment.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

04/02/2026 - 12:00 PM

With connected homes under constant digital threat, simple safeguard can reduce both cyber intrusions and real-world losses

LOS ANGELES, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Connected homes are becoming the norm, with millions of Americans relying on Wi-Fi networks, mobile apps and smart devices to manage everything from door locks to thermostats. Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE Texas: MCY) is reminding homeowners that as convenience increases, so does exposure — and that basic cybersecurity practices can help reduce both digital and physical risks.

"Smart-home technology is incredibly useful, but it also expands the number of entry points into your home — not just digitally, but physically," said Dustin Howard, Head of Info Security at Mercury Insurance. "The good news is that many of the most effective protections are simple, proactive steps that homeowners can take today."

Smart-home adoption continues to accelerate, with recent studies showing that roughly 70% of U.S. households now use at least one connected device. From video doorbells to smart garage doors, these tools provide visibility and control — but if not properly secured, they can also create vulnerabilities that bad actors may exploit.

Mercury Insurance recommends the following cybersecurity best practices for connected homes:

Secure your Wi-Fi network: Use strong, unique passwords and enable WPA3 encryption when available to prevent unauthorized access.
Update devices regularly: Firmware and software updates often include critical security patches that close known vulnerabilities.
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Adding a second layer of verification significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized account access.
Segment your network: Consider placing smart-home devices on a separate network from personal devices like laptops and phones.
Change default settings: Many devices come with default usernames and passwords that are widely known and easily exploited.
Monitor device activity: Regularly review connected devices and remove any that are no longer in use.

"As homes become more connected, cybersecurity becomes a core part of overall home protection," Howard added. "It's not just about protecting your data — it's about protecting your property, your privacy and your peace of mind."

With smart-home technology expected to continue expanding, Mercury Insurance encourages homeowners to treat cybersecurity as a routine part of home maintenance — just like checking smoke detectors or locking doors — to stay ahead of evolving risks.

For more information about protecting your home from cyberattacks, check out the Mercury Blog.

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.

Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service, through more than 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340 independent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an "A" rating from A.M. Best, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on X, Instagram or Facebook. Media interested in receiving updates from Mercury can learn more at the Mercury Newsroom.

Media interested in receiving updates from Mercury can learn more at the Mercury Newsroom.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/average-smart-home-faces-30-cyberattacks-a-day--mercury-insurance-shares-how-to-stay-protected-302732876.html

SOURCE Mercury Insurance

FAQ

How many cyberattacks does Mercury Insurance say an average smart home faces per day (MCY)?

Mercury Insurance reports that the average smart home faces 30 cyberattacks per day. According to Mercury Insurance, this figure underscores growing exposure as more U.S. households adopt connected devices and creates urgency for basic cybersecurity measures.

Does Mercury Insurance advise changing default device settings to protect smart homes (MCY)?

Yes — Mercury Insurance advises changing default usernames and passwords on smart devices immediately. According to Mercury Insurance, defaults are widely known and easily exploited, so replacing them is a quick, high‑impact step to reduce vulnerability.

How does Mercury Insurance suggest monitoring smart‑home security over time (MCY)?

Mercury Insurance suggests homeowners regularly review connected devices and remove unused ones to maintain security. According to Mercury Insurance, ongoing monitoring helps detect unauthorized devices or activity and supports timely firmware updates to close vulnerabilities.

Why does Mercury Insurance compare cybersecurity to routine home maintenance for smart homes (MCY)?

Mercury Insurance likens cybersecurity to tasks like checking smoke detectors to emphasize regular upkeep. According to Mercury Insurance, routine cyber hygiene—updates, MFA and password management—keeps devices secure and protects property, privacy, and peace of mind.

Will following Mercury Insurance's smart‑home tips reduce physical insurance risks for homeowners (MCY)?

Following Mercury Insurance's recommendations can lower both digital intrusions and associated physical risks to the home. According to Mercury Insurance, securing networks and devices helps prevent unauthorized access that could lead to property loss or privacy breaches.

Average Smart Home Faces 30 Cyberattacks a Day - Mercury Insurance Shares How to Stay Protected

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