How to Threat Model Your Home the Way Security Pros Secure Their Laptops

A cybersecurity practitioner argues that most people rigorously secure their laptops but ignore the far greater surveillance risks present in their own homes. The author proposes dividing living spaces into three trust zones: a silent 'dead room' with no connected devices, a self-controlled clean network for audited hardware, and a 'dirty periphery' for untrusted smart devices. A simple RF detector sweep and flashlight check can help identify hidden transmitting devices in rentals or Airbnbs, with the author claiming to have personally found hidden cameras and tracking tags this way. The core argument is that a compromised home environment puts every device brought into it at risk, making physical space security as critical as digital hygiene.