How Can IoT Devices Be Secured And Protected From Cyber-Attacks?

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Written By Hassan Zaka

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This is the age of automation, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things. More and more businesses are transforming their operations and preparing to ride the wave of digital transformation. Because to the COVID-19 epidemic, some people were required to work remotely, and they had no option but to embrace digitalization. This shift paved the way for IoT devices and their widespread adoption.

The Internet of Things has made our lives easier and more efficient. Despite the fact that a variety of IoT gadgets have made their way into our lives, it is critical to be aware of the security concerns and hazards posed by cyber assaults.

The majority of the IoT devices are interconnected, which compromises the security of multiple devices if one device gets hacked. 

The IIoT market size was valued at $115 billion in 2016, and is projected to reach $197 billion by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2017 to 2023.

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When IoT devices aren’t in use, disconnect them.

You must be aware of all the functions that your IoT device requires. Most modern products, including refrigerators and televisions, can connect to the internet. That does not, however, imply that you must link them to the internet. You must examine the features of your gadgets carefully to determine which ones require internet access in order to work.

Change default router settings

Most people forget to rename the router and stick to the name given by the manufacturer. This could hamper the security of your private Wi-Fi. Give any name that is not associated with you. To secure your IoT devices, the network and Wi-Fi are the first defense against hackers because many IoT devices are connected to Wi-Fi. Make sure to change default privacy and security settings. Those settings often benefit manufacturers more than you. Avoid online shopping using public Wi-Fi because anyone can steal your data.

Avoid using Universal Plug and Play

While Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) has its advantages, it also exposes printers, routers, cameras, and IoT devices to cyber assaults. The goal of UPnP is to make it easier to network devices without requiring additional configuration and to let them discover each other automatically. However, this is more beneficial to hackers than anything else since it allows them to find all IoT devices outside of your local network.

Pick a strong password and do not overuse it

If you still use “password” and “qwerty” as your password, you need to rethink it. Using a common and simple password for IoT devices means opening the front door for hackers. Strong and secure passwords are the best defense against hackers. Make sure to use a new, unique password for every device. If a hacker can guess one of your passwords, it could harm every device you own that uses that password. Yes, it could be troublesome to remember all the passwords, but it is essential to secure IoT devices. You can write them down in your diary but refrain from keeping electronic notes.

Keep your software, firmware updated

Firmware keeps you protected with the latest security patches and reduces the chances of cyber-attacks. You can fix any vulnerabilities or exploits as they emerge and secure your IoT devices. If possible, turn on the option to automatically check for updates.

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