A parent device is the main device that receives a command from a remote control or another controller and performs the requested action. For example, a television can act as the parent device when it receives a button press sent over infrared or radio frequency (RF).
In cybersecurity, the term helps distinguish the controller from the system being controlled. The command’s transmission method does not itself determine whether it is secure: attackers may try to forge, replay, or disrupt commands, depending on the technology and its protections. Defenses include authenticating commands where supported and limiting which devices can control sensitive functions.