In the entirely explosive landscape, the one thing that often goes unnoticed is IoT devices. The underdog in cybersecurity, IoT devices are like the unsung heroes of the tech world. They quietly support our lives, from fitness trackers logging our steps to smart thermostats. However, when it comes to cybersecurity, they’re often overlooked, leaving them wide open to attacks that can cause ruin individuals and organizations alike.
Why IoT Needs More Attention?
IoT impacts everything from our daily routines to the process management and efficiencies in the commercial and industrial world. IoT devices connect billions of gadgets worldwide, making them a prime target for cyberattacks. Nearly 57% of IoT devices are vulnerable to medium- or high-severity attacks. That’s more than half of all smart devices sitting in homes and offices, exposed and easy to break into.
With IoT cybersecurity trends influencing the direction of digital safety, the fight to safeguard these networks is more important than ever. Strong security measures are necessary since every new device added to a network includes possible access points for attackers.
This is also because many IoT devices are built with simplicity in mind, not security. This makes them prime targets for attackers. To protect these devices, comprehensive IoT cybersecurity solutions measures must be in place.
Organizations often underestimate IoT security solutions, focusing mainly on traditional endpoints like servers and workstations. The moment IoT devices connect to your network, they become part of your attack surface.
What is the role of Encryption in IoT devices?
Encryption plays a key role by scrambling data to make it inaccessible except to authorized, credentialed users. Studies have shown that 98% of all IoT device traffic is unencrypted. Anyone who gets access to your network can potentially see your private and sensitive information – like passwords, security codes, or even personal health data. This can often lead to some of the biggest data breaches in finance.
To combat this issue, you need to change the default settings of your IoT devices as most of them come with open ports and weak encryption. You should consider placing IoT devices on a separate Wi-Fi network. This way, even if someone intercepts their traffic, they won’t get access to your main devices such as laptops and phones. Finally, avoid using public Wi-Fi when accessing your smart devices remotely. Use a VPN instead for an extra layer of safety.
The Impact of Neglect
1.5 billion IoT attacks were detected in the first half of 2021 alone. And this number has only grown since then. These are all t real attacks aimed at taking control, stealing data, or building botnets to launch even bigger threats.
Furthermore, 60% of organizations using IoT devices have experienced a security incident as well.
Hackers are conscious of the vulnerability of smart gadgets. They are constantly online, frequently have inadequate security, and are linked to more valuable systems. Once compromised, they can be used to spy on people, distribute spam, or initiate DDoS assaults.
To reduce your IoT security risk, ensure that your devices are not directly exposed to the internet by using firewalls and disabling remote access unless absolutely necessary. Always use strong, unique passwords for each device and avoid reusing passwords from other accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
If your smart device’s app supports it, enable two-factor authentication for an added layer of security. Additionally, consider investing in a smart home firewall or security gateway, as these tools are specifically designed to monitor and protect traffic from Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
IoT security is often left out of the main IT strategy. Teams focus on securing computers and servers, but smart devices are seen as secondary—and that’s a big mistake.
Even if you’re just a home user, it’s important to think like a company when it comes to cybersecurity.
Start by auditing your devices – know exactly what you have and where each one connects. If your router or devices support it, regularly review access logs to spot any unusual activity.
For businesses, it’s essential to bring Internet of Things (IoT) devices under the umbrella of your main cybersecurity policy. This includes training employees on secure practices, assigning responsibility for device management to your IT team, and working only with vendors who prioritize and demonstrate strong security standards.
Practical Measures to Secure IoT Devices
1) Change default credentials
It’s important to change default credentials immediately after setting up any IoT device. Many devices come with factory-set usernames and passwords that are easily exploited by attackers. Replace them with strong, unique passwords for each device.
2) Segment your network
Create digital boundaries between your IoT devices and your main systems. You should place your IoT devices on a separate VLAN or guest network as this limits their access to sensitive data, reducing the damage in case one of them is compromised.
3) Keep your devices up to date
You can install firmware and software updates as soon as they’re available. Many vulnerabilities are discovered post-release, and manufacturers often issue patches to fix them. Whenever possible, enable automatic updates, but monitor them closely to ensure they don’t disrupt functionality or introduce new issues.
Conclusively, the cybersecurity landscape is constantly changing. This requires staying ahead and incorprorating proactive measures. In this, IoT devices should not be left behind.
The dedicated team at Cybershield IT creates a comprehensive cybersecurity plan that covers all aspects of cyber threats, even the overlooked parts of it. Connect with our team today.
