Posted on June 9, 2017 at 9:41 AM

Things You Need to Know About IoT Security

Gone are the days when the only threat to people’s security were the real life thieves, gamblers, and robbers. Now, with the rise of technology the risk of the sanctuary has become sky-rocketing. Moreover, the wind of uncertainty is also gushing around the world which is tightly connected with the IoT devices. This skepticism has raised many questions on the IoT security, and the protections that are must follow in a bid to be safe from attacks against IoT.

In the flurry of times, this has become a hot potato in the world of internet and technology. Seemingly, people started concerning more about Internet of things more when the penetration of cyber crimes and IoT have drastically risen. This article is packed up with the deep view of information related to IoT Security.

What Is IoT?

To cut a long story short, any device that has internet connectivity and can join the massive network of internet worldwide, such device is considered to be an IoT or Internet Of Thing device.

It not only includes your smartphone, PC or laptop, but any appliance like fridge, tv, watches, gaming console, thermostat, car or home assistant device, having the internet to connect with the largest worldwide network is known as IoT device.

Why Should We Care About IoT Security?

Where these IoT devices can connect us with the whole world, they can also bring many graves IoT security threat to our day to day lives. The first ever attack that took place through IoT devices was Mirai Botnet attack, affecting millions of bright stars like Reddit and Airbnb back in 2016.

This was the most massive Botnet attack by far in the history of the internet and technology, enslaving approximately, 150,000 compromised routers, smart cameras and another internet of thing devices.

This incident left everybody with great concerns about IoT security.

IoT Security Threats And Vulnerabilities:

IoT devices that people use for their daily chores without realizing the dire need of making adequate security measures. Let’s us take a look at some grave IoT security vulnerabilities.

Default Credentials:

Even after many hacking and other cyber attacks, many people still do not bother to change their default username or password. If many of the credentials were not default, the Mirai Botnet attack never existed.

Un-updated Software:

A prominent number of IoT device companies do not bother to update the software and send security patches. This leaves the software entirely vulnerable to the attackers.

Un-encrypted Communication:

It is common in IoT devices that they lack in encrypting the communication between two devices. The hackers can easily exploit this IoT security loophole and snoop through the connection in a bid to gain access to user’s personal data.

Vulnerable User Interface:

Secure User Interface plays an important role to assure the IoT security. It is because of it the first thing that the hackers rummage through in order to spot any vulnerability. Some IoT devices even send the password to the main server in plain text with no encryption, pretty much bad luck if somebody kept eyes on it.

Moreover, the secure user interface does not allow the users to enter the incorrect password more than three times to avoid Brute Force password cracking.

Insufficient Privacy Protection:

IoT devices eat up your data a lot, and some even ask for the random data too with inadequate privacy protection. We often do not consider the terms and conditions and privacy policy of such IoT appliances that we use daily. But little do we know they are to get our chores done rather protecting our data. This is what leaves out data vulnerable to the attackers.

Potential Attacks Against IoT Devices:

Here are the possible cyber attacks that can hit the Internet of Things devices due to poor IoT security.

Malware Hit
Exploiting IoT Security Vulnerability
Password Cracking
Sniffing
Botnets
Remote Access Attack
Data Leaking

Tips For Improving IoT Security:

Nevertheless, these cyber attacks are a serious threat and can potentially cause you data loss and even financial loss. Thus, it is highly recommended to go through the following remedies to improve IoT security.

Changing your default credential details can prevent from being the slave of a Botnet attack.
Always ensure that the manufacturer of your IoT devices update the software and send security patches before you buy the product.
Unfortunately, the IoT devices could not keep the pace with other services in putting Two-Factor-Authentication into effect. But there are few companies like Nest that has announced to roll out two-factor-authentication soon. So make your future choices wisely.
Make sure you secure your Wifi with a strong password, Firewall or may be a VPN for additional security.
Disconnect the internet connection of your IoT device when you are not using it.
Activate the encryption option when you receive or send the data.
Download additional security apps like Antivirus and Anti-malware.
Sometimes the best way to protect your IoT devices is to prevent remote access to those devices. After all, you don’t need an internet connection in every single thing!

Conclusion:

It is all about being careful when you deal with IoT devices and ensuring that you do not leave any IoT security vulnerability for the attackers. As prevention is always better than cure, we must protect our data from the serious cyber attacks that can hit us through IoT devices.