How to Secure IoT Devices

As the number of IoT devices continues to grow, so does the risk of cyber-attacks against them. To understand how to secure IoT devices, you need to understand lurking dangers and the various types of attacks that can be launched against them.

Even though we sometimes take them for granted, these tiny things significantly impact us. They can do wonders in making our life easier but also much harder. It all depends on the way we use and protect them. So, let’s take a look at how you can protect your smart devices against outside interference.

Smart Devices and Security Risks

IoT devices are becoming increasingly popular and more widespread each day. While this offers many benefits and conveniences, it also opens up new opportunities for cyberattacks.

IoT devices are vulnerable to attacks for a variety of reasons:

• Many IoT devices are not secured by default and are vulnerable to simple attacks such as password guessing.
• IoT devices often communicate with each other and other devices and systems, providing opportunities for attackers to intercept or tamper with data.
• IoT devices generate a lot of data, which can be valuable to attackers.

What Do Attackers Want From Our Home IoT Devices?

We all have sensitive data on our home networks—passwords, bank accounts, credit card numbers, and similar. Hackers just love that kind of data. But cybercrime can extend even to the physical world.

For instance, some tech-savvy thieves can access your smart thermostat and check if you are at home. They can also gain control of your automatic home or garage door and access your home.

These are just some examples of how tempting (and easy) targets most of us are. They also show that one of the most important questions is “how to secure IoT devices on a home network.”

But this is not the main reason hackers are after us. Even though their main objectives resemble a SciFi dystopian movie scenario, it is pretty real. Namely, they create a botnet. It is an army of devices controlled by an outside source, and hackers use it to attack large companies’ systems.

What’s even more frightening is the fact that 53% of cyberattacks go unnoticed.

IoT Device Security—Most Common Types of Attacks

Brute Force Attacks

Cyber attackers flood the targeted device with millions of possible password combinations until they find the right one.

DDoS Attacks

A distributed-denial-of-service attack attempts to make a device or service unavailable to its users. This is typically done by flooding the target with traffic or requests until it can no longer handle the load and shuts down.

Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

Man-in-the-middle attacks occur when an attacker intercepts communications between two connected devices with bad security. This allows the attacker to eavesdrop on the conversation or manipulate the exchanged data. IoT devices are often used to communicate sensitive data, such as passwords or financial information, making them a prime target for MitM attacks.

Malware Infections

Malware is short for malicious software. It is designed to damage or disable computers and other devices. IoT devices are often infected with malware when users download and install malicious applications or visit malicious websites. Once installed, malware can be used to steal sensitive data, launch DoS attacks, or even take control of the device. However, antivirus programs with good IoT security solutions can prevent attacks of this type.

Unauthorized Access

Unauthorized access occurs when an attacker gains access to a device or service without permission. This can be done by exploiting security vulnerabilities, guessing passwords, or using stolen credentials. Once access is gained, the attacker can do anything they want with the device, including stealing data, launching attacks, or causing damage.

How to Secure IoT Devices?

We have no doubt that the things you’ve read in the first part of the article are terrifying. It wasn’t our intention. We simply wanted to highlight the dangers lurking and the significance of protecting IoT devices in your home and business. The good news is that once you are aware of the risks, reducing them to an acceptable minimum is quite easy—just follow these tips:

1. Keep the IoT Network Security up to Date With the Latest Security Patches

IoT devices are often targets of cyberattacks, so it’s important to keep them updated with the latest security patches. This will help protect them from hacking and ensure your data is safe. You can check for updates manually or set your device to update automatically when new patches are released. Either way, staying on top of updates is essential to keep your devices secure.

2. Use Strong Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication to Increase Cybersecurity for Smart Home Devices

Using strong passwords is one of the best ways to protect your devices from being hacked. Make sure to use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols in your passwords, and avoid using easily guessed words like “password” or “123456.” It’s also a good idea to enable two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password. You can also use a password manager.

3. Be Aware of Phishing Attacks—Hackers Use Them to Bypass Security in Smart Homes

Phishing attacks are becoming more common as IoT devices become more popular. These attacks occur when someone tries to trick you into giving them your password or other sensitive information. Be aware of these attacks and never give out your password or personal information unless you’re sure you’re dealing with a legitimate website or company.

4. Use a VPN

A VPN (a virtual private network) can help keep your data safe. It encrypts your data so that third parties can’t intercept it and disguises your IP address, making it more difficult for hackers to track your activity.

5. How to Secure IoT Devices?: Be Careful What You Connect to

Not all IoT devices are created equal, and some are more secure than others. When choosing which devices to connect to your home network, do your research and select only those from reputable companies. You should also secure your home router with a strong password and firewall. Unfortunately, 83% of Americans have weak passwords.

6. Be Aware of the Permissions You’re Granting to Apps

Many apps ask for permission to access your data, location, and other information. When installing an app, take a moment to read through the permissions it’s asking for and consider whether you’re comfortable granting them. In general, it’s best to limit the number of data apps can access.

How to Set Up IoT at Home—Short Guide

Setting up IoT at home can be daunting, but it can also be a breeze with the right tools and resources.

1. Find Devices

First, you must identify the devices you want to connect to your network. IoT devices can include anything from smart thermostats and security cameras to connected appliances and light bulbs.

Next, you will need to purchase a compatible router. A standard home router will likely not be powerful enough to support the number of IoT devices you want to connect. Also, you would want hardware that could support the latest IoT security solutions.

2. Install the Software

Next, you will need to download and install the software for your router. This software will likely include a mobile app you can use to manage your network from anywhere. Once you install the software, you will need to configure your devices to connect to it. Do not forget to install security controls for IoT devices if they don’t install by default.

3. Test the Network

Finally, you will need to test whether your devices can connect to your network and access the internet. You can do this by opening a web browser on each device and visiting a website. You have successfully set up your IoT network if all your devices can connect and browse the internet.

We hope this short info helps familiarize you with the subject and suggest you consult this in-depth smart home guide before starting.

How to Secure IoT Devices on a Home Network: Summary

Securing your IoT devices is critical for protecting your data and privacy. While it may seem daunting, following these tips will help keep your devices safe and secure.

Stay up-to-date with the latest security patches, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, be aware of phishing attacks, and be careful what you connect to your network. Implementing these best practices will help ensure that your smart home is as safe as possible from hackers looking to steal your data.

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