What was once an innovative idea has become the norm for today’s modern family. Today, we live in a world where just about anything can connect to the Internet. The result of this ease of connectivity is a host of “smart” technologies and appliances. The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of physical objects. These physical objects include, for example, home appliances, mobile devices, and home automation tools. These objects connect to one another via the Internet. Embedded technology also lets each device communicate with the others while people access it remotely.
The IoT has moved beyond smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. It has increasingly become the technology we depend on for day-to-day home and office tasks. The data ahead spotlights the proliferation of the IoT in recent years. By 2016, projections showed an estimated 100 million televisions connecting to the Internet. By 2020, experts estimate that 50 billion devices will connect to the Internet. Recently, hackers compromised 100,000 fridges and other smart household appliances. They hijacked home routers and used the devices to send out 750,000 dangerous spam emails. As a result, our world has become a technologically based environment.
These technologies and advances have clearly improved our efficiency and quality of life. They’ve also opened the average home up to cyber threats, since increased technological capacity comes with increased security needs. This article will spotlight the security threats facing today’s Internet of Things.
IoT and Cyber Threats
With the expansion of connected technology comes an expanded level of vulnerability to cyber threats. Any device connected to the Internet is fair game and open to cyber threats. Smart technology now encompasses everything from microwaves to fridges to televisions. As a result, your entire home is suddenly at risk for exploitation through malware and viruses.
Hacker technology has improved. As a result, cyber terrorists can now target private networks such as cars, phones, and connected home devices. So they gather and misuse personal information once they’re inside. Hackers are working overtime to match the IoT advances. As a result, users will soon need to install security packages on all their devices to prevent these hackings. In fact, a recent study showed that up to 70 percent of these smart devices have serious vulnerabilities. Hackers are creating vigilante malware designed to prey on this vulnerability. These devices are easy targets because they often lack established security protocols. It starts with noticing your smart fridge is acting a little off. Suddenly, a virus has infected your entire IoT system.
Common Security Issues With IoT Devices
The primary security issue with IoT technology revolves around inadequate security protocols. Businesses and data centers routinely create, implement, and monitor a host of security processes and applications. Homeowners and smart device users, however, are less adept at these skills. The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) analyzes smart devices and appliances to develop strategies for improving security. They’ve identified the top ten security problems with the IoT. They are as follows.
- Insecure web interface
- Insufficient authentication or authorization
- Insecure network services
- Lack of transport encryption
- Privacy concerns
- Insecure cloud interface
- Insecure mobile interface
- Insufficient security configuration
- Insecure software or firmware
- Poor physical security
Of course, an experienced IT provider can assess smart devices for security breaches and assist in developing protocols. They can also help install patches and set up authentication processes to prevent cyber threats.
Protecting Your IoT Devices
As the IoT expands, so will security. Protecting your IoT devices includes strategies such as system hardening and secure protocols for network communication. It also means installing the latest patches and fixes. The key is developing security protocols that the device or network can manage automatically. That’s better than relying on the user to manage them by hand. In addition, a local data center can assist in security assessment and improvement.
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