The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a system of interrelated, internet-connected items, that are able to collect and transfer data over a wireless network without human intervention.
By 2025, its estimated there will be more than 27 billion IoT connections!
We use smart doorbells, heating systems, intelligent security systems, connected baby monitors. Smart speakers can even tell other devices what to do, reminding your TV to record a show or your heating system to increase the temperature, the list goes on and on.
Many IoT devices have built-in microphones, cameras, or location trackers that broadcast information without you even knowing it. So how do we keep them and the information they gather safe? Here are our tips:
1. Give your router a name. if you leave it with the name the manufacturer gave it — it might identify the make or model, this information could be useful to hackers. Give it an unusual name not associated with you or your street address. You don’t want your router name to give away any personal identifiers.
2. Know your connected devices. You can’t keep gadgets safe when you’re not aware of them, so know the number of IoT devices that are on your home network. The average home has eight networked devices per person, and that number will continue to grow. Remember to consider the children in your household. Know the devices they have on the network. Most gaming systems have microphones and cameras.
3. Strong Passwords. Make sure you use strong passwords for your phones, tablets, and other devices. Each one should be different and changed regularly.
4. Change default passwords. Never use the default password that came with the product. These are well-known and this is the first thing a hacker will try.
5. Always keep your connected devices in mind. IoT devices are not “set it and forget it” gadgets. Since they are on the internet, they need to be updated frequently. Enable automatic updates and multi-factor authentication.
6. Microphones. If the device has a microphone, its best to know how it listens and how long it stores recordings. Remember every time you ask your smart speaker to do something, that recording is saved on the internet by the company that made the device. In most cases you can disable the use of voice recording.
7. Create 2 password protected Wi-Fi networks – If you have two password-protected Wi-Fi networks in your home, you can use one for your computers, tablets, and phones, and enable the second one for your IoT devices, sharing passwords with family and friends as needed—but don’t give any devices access to your contacts.
8. Disable features you may not need. IoT devices come with a variety of services such as remote access, often enabled by default. If you don’t need it, be sure to disable it.
9. How old is your tech? Could be time to upgrade? Check if newer models might offer stronger security.
10.Update Software. Don’t put off installing it. It might be a patch for a security flaw. Mobile security is important, especially if you connect to your devices via your mobile. Your IoT device makers also may send you updates — or you might have to visit their websites to check for them. Be sure to download updates and apply them to your device to help stay safe.
Following these few easy steps you can help protect your devices and your data from cybercriminals.