IoT Security Threats

Despite its many advantages and benefits, IoT comes with a host of security threats.

20:42 09 August 2017

Internet-based home automation devices have transformed the way we manage our day-to-day lives. They bring convenience, security, and cost-savings, among many other benefits. Smart thermostats, for example, can automatically control the temperature in our homes and ensure that heating and air conditioning systems are only use when and as needed.

 

However, if such devices are poorly managed, they become vulnerable to hacker infiltration and takeover. This means that hackers can steal your personal information and use your connected devices for a variety of nefarious purposes such as DDoS (distributed denial of service) attacks.

 

Preventing and mitigating the exploitation of the IoT should start from device manufacturers, software and firmware developers. If they start to build strong security features into the devices, it will become much more difficult for hackers to access them. Installers and administrators must also change default passwords and update patch system when vulnerabilities arise.

 

End-users or homeowners must also know the best practices in securing their devices. It is important that they update their software regularly and understand how each device that they are using share data. They must also change all default passwords at once.