IoT stands for Internet of Things. It means any other type of “smart device” that connects to the internet. IoT devices in a home can be everything from your streaming stick to your smart refrigerator. Smart baby monitors and Alexa voice assistants are also IoT.
The number we use has increased exponentially over the last decade. A typical home now has 10.37 devices connected to the internet. PCs and mobile devices make up a little over half of those and the rest are IoT devices.
There's also been another change that has happened over the last couple of years. It has been the increase in remote and hybrid work. The pandemic caused a major shift in where we work, turning the standard office paradigm on its head.
Now, working remotely has become the norm for many companies around the world. This has put increased scrutiny on the security of all those IoT devices. They are now sharing a Wi-Fi network with business data and devices.
Here are two alarming statistics that illustrate the issue with IoT security:
· During the first six months of 2021, the number of IoT cyberattacks was up by 135% over 2020.
· It’s estimated that over 25% of cyberattacks against businesses involve IoT devices.
Hackers Use IoT Devices to Get to Computers & Smartphones
Smart devices are a risk to any other device on a network. They are typically easier to breach. Hackers will use them as a gateway into more sensitive devices such as your phones and PCs.
A criminal doesn't care about the shopping list stored in your smart refrigerator. But they’ll breach that IoT device to see what other devices are on the same network.
The hacker can then use sharing and permissions that are often present on home networks. Through these, they gain access to your work computer or mobile device. These devices hold important data, and access to personal details.
Why are IoT devices less secure than computers and smartphones? Here are a few reasons:
· They usually won’t have antivirus or anti-malware capabilities.
· Users often don’t update IoT devices regularly.
· They have basic interfaces which can hide a breach of the device.
· People often don’t change the default device username and password.
· Sharing settings on IoT devices make them easier to hack.
Improve Security by Putting IoT on a Separate Wi-Fi Network
Just about all modern routers will have the ability to set up a second Wi-Fi network, called a “guest network.” When you connect to Wi-Fi is shows up as a separate Wi-Fi that a device can use to get online.
By putting all your IoT devices on a separate network you improve security. You cut that bridge that hackers use to go from an IoT device to another device on the same network, such as those that hold sensitive information (computers and mobile devices).
In fact, when you separate those two (IoT devices and sensitive-info devices) a hacker can't see them all. If they breach one of your smart devices, they can't tell you have a PC or smartphone. This is because they’re on the other network.
This is an important layer of security to use. Whether you’re a remote worker or use your computer for home budgeting and banking, it can help. All PCs and smartphones usually contain access to online banking or personal information.
As you add any new devices to your home network, make sure to connect them to the appropriate network. This keeps the layer of security effective.
One more tip: When naming your Wi-Fi networks, don’t use descriptive names. This includes things like “IoT network” or your name, address, or router model name. It’s best to use names that won’t give the hackers valuable information they can use in attacks.
Need Help Upgrading Your Home Cybersecurity?
With so many remote workers, hackers have begun targeting home networks. They know these can contain sensitive business as well as personal data. Don’t leave yourself open to a breach. Schedule a home internet security review with Oakland Solutions LLC today!
248-689-1439
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.