By 2025, there will be more than 75 billion devices connected to the web. While many of these will be smartphones, tablets, and computers, the vast majority of these connections will be IoT (Internet-of-Things) devices.
IoT devices are everywhere, and it’s likely many people already have a couple at home. Whether it’s a smart lock on your front door, lights that can be controlled from a mobile phone, a smart TV, or even a gaming console, IoT devices make our lives much more convenient.
However, they do have their share of security vulnerabilities. With any device connected to the internet, there is the risk of getting hacked. Learn about these potential dangers and improve the security of the IoT tech in your home below.
Quick Tip
Every device online has a unique identifier that allows it to communicate with other devices and connect to the web. This is called an IP address. You can find yours out right now by searching, what is my IP (or here). Your IP contains all kinds of information, including your approximate location, that hackers and other threats can leverage.
One of the easiest ways to remain safe is to anonymize your IP address. You can do this by using a VPN, which hides your real IP address and encrypts your internet connection.
Best of all, they’re compatible with many IoT devices either directly or by installing a VPN on your router. Before you do anything else, be sure to look into the right VPN option.
IoT Threats to Security
Now back to the risk that IoT devices can create. The biggest problem is that most IoT devices don’t have powerful security protocols. On the surface, it makes sense because what can a hacker do with access to a smart light bulb.
Surprisingly a lot. In one study, researchers demonstrated how hackers could make a jump between a smart light to install malware on a target network. And the same goes for other IoT devices. Whether it is a hacked security camera or anything else at your home, you need to take security into your own hands.
5 Steps to Better IoT And Overall Cybersecurity
Don’t worry. You don’t have to throw out all your amazing (and expensive) IoT devices. There’s no reason to bury your head in the sand.
You need to take a few simple steps that will significantly reduce the risk of your IoT devices getting hacked and improve your total cybersecurity at home, work, and everywhere you go.
1. Create a Name For Your Router
Creating a funny name for your router isn’t just a nice personalization touch. It removes ways for hackers to identify it and make a model so they can’t search how to crack it online.
2. Change Default Name and Passwords
Most IoT comes with default admin accounts to help you manage them. Hackers know the default passwords and user IDs for these products. Change the login and password to something unique, and you’ll be much safer.
While you’re at it, make sure all your online accounts for IoT devices and everything else have strong passwords. If you have trouble remembering them, considering using a password manager
3. Use a VPN
As mentioned, a VPN conceals and anonymizes your IP address. Using one, whether you’re at home or anywhere else, especially on a public WiFi, greatly increases your security.
4. Enable 2FA
Two-factor authentication (2FA) has become increasingly common, especially for significant platforms like Google and Facebook. You should enable it everywhere, especially on your IoT devices. That way, you’ll have an additional security layer and receive a notification if anybody tries to access one of the IoT device accounts.
5. Update All Software Regularly
Developers routinely issue patches to fix security vulnerabilities. All you have to do is update. On your smartphone and computer, ensure the auto-update is on. Some IoT devices have this feature built-in. For others, you will need to visit the manufacturer’s website periodically to see if any updates have been issued.
IoT Devices are amazing. Over the next decade, we’ll be blown away by how they continue to evolve and make our lives better. Just do yourself a favor and take the time now to ensure all your IoT tech is safe. Because old sayings even apply to the newest technologies—prevention is the best medicine. Stay safe and follow these tips now.
–EOF (The Ultimate Computing & Technology Blog) —
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