When the Cloud Fades: The Hidden Risks of Cloud-Connected Gadgets

Every end of the quarter, I normally collate all of my medical data in anticipation of my quarterly remote consultation with my endocrinologist. This includes all laboratory results, self-monitoring (blood pressure and blood glucose checks), and other pertinent information such as weight trends. Last quarter, I was surprised that I couldn't log in to my blood glucose meter's companion app. I tried going through the forgot password route, only to be told that my username does not exist. My meter is one of those connected meters that makes it easy to trend and estimate how well you are in control of your blood glucose, and is then compared with any available HbA1c results you have (a blood test that measures your 3-month average). The meter will work fine without the app, but it does make life a whole lot easier with the wireless downloads via Bluetooth. I reached out to the meter's customer helpdesk and within a few days I got a reply informing me that the company is no longer going to support my country of residence and that my account has been disabled and all of my data has been deleted and should I wish to access the blood glucose readings, I can access the raw data from the meter's built in memory. The problem with this is that the user data in the app not only contains the blood glucose readings of the meter, but also other things such as the dose and time of my insulin injections, and other notes, such as every time I feel hypoglycemic. The least they could have done was to have given plenty of warning and given sufficient time to extract their data.

This experience isn’t unique. It’s a stark reminder of the fragility behind the convenience of cloud-connected devices.

The Cloud Dependency Trap

I'm not talking only of medical devices like my blood glucose meter. Various modern devices, from smart thermostats and security cameras to voice assistants and connected appliances, cloud-connected gadgets promise seamless integration and intelligent automation. You are assured that they will manage the data for you, and you shouldn't be concerned with backups or even security. But beneath the glossy surface lies a growing concern: what happens when the company behind your gadget pulls the plug?

Many smart devices rely heavily on cloud infrastructure to function. Core features - remote access, voice control, data storage, even basic operation - are routed through servers owned and maintained by the manufacturer. If those servers go offline or support is discontinued, your device may become partially or entirely bricked.

This isn’t theoretical. Over the past decade, several companies have shut down cloud services, leaving users stranded. 

Why Support Gets Cut

Companies may discontinue cloud services for several reasons:

• Financial instability: Startups may run out of funding or be acquired by firms with different priorities.
• Strategic shifts: A change in supported market segment. A pivot from hardware to software or services can also leave devices unsupported.
• Security concerns: Maintaining secure infrastructure may become too costly or complex.
• Low user base: Devices with limited adoption or shrinking markets in certain regions may not justify ongoing server costs.

Regardless of the rationale, the result is the same: a device that no longer works as intended.

How to Avoid Getting Bricked

While no solution is foolproof, here are strategies to reduce your risk:

1. Favor Local Control

Choose devices that function without cloud dependency. Smart switches using local Wi-Fi or Zigbee still work even if the internet goes down. At the very least, choose services that you can back up your user data anytime and set reminders to do so regularly. This also reminds me of some so-called smart devices that require the internet to call home, even though what they are doing has no relation to internet access.

2. Research Before You Buy

Investigate the company’s history. Do they support products long-term? Community forums and tech sites can offer valuable insights. Note that this is, of course, not a guarantee that the company will suddenly do it anyway. As they say, there is always a first time for everything.

3. Open Standards and Ecosystems

Opt for devices that support open protocols like MQTT, Home Assistant, or Matter. These promote interoperability and often allow self-hosted alternatives. One of my recent discoveries is a Web App called Tide Pool. It's a free and open source project that can even use the automated Bluetooth download of my blood glucose meter.

4. Self-Hosting

If you're technically inclined, run your own server (e.g., Home Assistant on Unraid), or run self-hosted Docker containers on your capable NAS. It requires setup but offers full control and resilience. There is a whole movement of like-minded individuals who are slowly transitioning from cloud services to self-hosted alternatives. Things like Google Photos, Audible, Kindle Library, Dropbox, and even Netflix have self-hosted counterparts. The best part of this is when configured correctly and securely, you can have access to these services even if you are away from your home network.

5. Backup Plans

Ensure cloud-reliant devices have fallback modes. A smart lock with a physical key is far less risky than one that’s entirely digital, for example. For devices that sync to a proprietary cloud service, find out if that data can be duplicated elsewhere so you have a backup.

6. Community Support

Devices with strong user communities often have unofficial firmware or workarounds. Some projects can revive abandoned hardware with a community-driven app that replicates the same functionality as the proprietary app.

Final Thoughts

Cloud-connected gadgets offer undeniable convenience, but they also introduce a layer of vulnerability that’s easy to overlook. My experience with the blood glucose meter was a wake-up call: even health-critical data can vanish overnight if tied to a cloud service. As consumers, we must weigh the trade-offs between ease of use and long-term reliability. By choosing wisely, staying informed, and embracing local or open solutions, we can avoid the frustration of seeing our smart investments go dark.