There are fears that the trendy Internet of Things (IoT) could be compounding the risks already posed by hackers, despite the enormous potentials indications by industry experts.
With smart devices getting connected, there is no doubt that IoT is already simplifying our living standards and the way we do things, but then, it is germane to note that these smart connected devices are vulnerable and could be compromised.
With so many manufacturers in various channels, there are no conventional controls regarding passwords, encryption or other security measures.
“IoT devices tend to have weaker security protections than regular computers,” says Mike Baker, founder of cybersecurity service provider Mosaic451.
The root of the problem with IoT security is that once malware or hackers have compromised one device, all connected devices become susceptible as well. Even more concerning is the lack of regulation when it comes to ensuring the security of IoT devices.
However, there are security threats, some of the biggest threats which experts have pointed out.
1. Privacy violations
It is glaring that IoT devices have inbuilt-in cameras or microphones; it could be security cameras or monitors in our various homes. These tools allow us to keep on the eye on what is happening in our different homes when you are far. However, they could also be used as a privacy compromising tool to spy on our privacies. This is a security concern which cybersecurity experts are wary of.
“In one case, critical vulnerabilities were discovered in a wide range of IoT baby monitors,” says Kevin Shahbazi, CEO of LogMeOnce, a cloud-based security solution. “Hackers were able to access the live video footage, change the camera settings and authorize other users to view and control the monitors remotely”.
2. Physical Safety Concerns
It sounds great for someone who has an application installed on a smartphone and conveniently uses it to control some smart devices at home. You can be someone else and control the doors in your house, or even your refrigerator. But in reality, these devices have the propensity to cause bad physical damage.
Chief Information Security Officer, at Bombardier Aerospace, Edward Kiledjian explains that hackers could easily use a compromised IoT device to do everything from unlocking your door and disabling your alarm system to changing your physical environment by turning off your home’s heat
“These possibilities can expose families to real physical harm, putting IoT security concerns on a whole new threat level for consumers.”
3. Network threats
With lots of data exchanged through connected devices, the network becomes a threat. It is not just the only average person connected that can be susceptible to being vulnerable to compromised IoT devices; others businesses too are prone to vulnerability.
“Not only are business owners unaware of what data is stored on IoT devices, but there are also broader issues around what data can be transmitted from these devices and where that data may ultimately end up,” Shahbazi says.
With many companies knowing some of the biggest threats, having in mind also, the potentials inherent on IoT, they have started spending, so as to protect themselves from threats been posed by IoT.
The truth, however, remains that “it only takes one employee using a connected device on an unsecured network or copying data to the cloud to place a whole business at risk from hackers, Shahbazi explains.
Preventing ‘Internet of Things’ Security Risks
Interestingly, one of the best ways to handle issues regarding the security of IoT lie in the hands of the companies manufacturing IoT devices.
“Unfortunately most manufacturers are more interested in selling a cheap, half-baked product than delivering a secure, high-quality device.
Naive consumers continue buying the inexpensive, unsecured devices, which drives the manufacturers to continue the vicious cycle,” says Kiledjian.
Further, one of the things that could be done to prevent this from happening is by providing remote upgrades to patch known security risks. The companies producing smart connected devices should always have safety in mind before producing. But, in a case whereby IoT companies are not ready to inculcate security into their production to protect their consumers, then, consumers will now have to seek the services of I.T security experts.
“IT pros are aiming to provide an up-to-date understanding of where the threats are coming from to stop an exploit from happening,” says Shahbazi.
Final Thoughts
Smart devices are vulnerable and are too dumb to resist security attacks from hackers. Always have security breaches in mind and plan for alternatives if been violated. In other words, be security conscious.
