The Internet of Things (IoT) has become a reality, from personal fitness trackers and self-ordering refrigerators to coffee makers and door locks that can be operated through your mobile phone.

1. The Internet of Things (IoT) has become a reality, from
personal fitness trackers and self-ordering refrigerators to
coffee makers and door locks that can be operated through
your mobile phone.
Simply put, an IoT device is anything that connects to the
Internet in any way. This connectivity presents a host of
benefits, but it also provides new opportunities for malicious
hackers and thieves to steal sensitive information or provide
unwanted access to your network.
Here are four things you can do to minimize the chances
that your IoT device might be compromised, along with
other systems and data:
PUT A PASSWORD ON IT
From a hacker’s perspective, anything
connected to the Internet is an opportunity
to breach network defenses, whether it’s a
PC, a tablet, or a connected thermostat. For
that reason, all IoT devices and the
applications that run them need to be
secured with a password.
KEEP SOFTWARE
UPDATED
The IoT device software is the computer
code that tells your connected device how
to operate. When a vulnerability is
discovered, the manufacturer addresses it
with a software update or patch that
reduces risk to the IoT device. Be sure to
apply all software updates as soon as
possible.
TREAT ALL IoT DEVICES LIKE THE
COMPUTERS THEY ARE
You may think a malicious hacker has little to gain from breaching something as
simple as your IoT fitness tracker. But when it is connected to your network, then
all your devices and data are relying on your fitness tracker to fight off any
unwanted intrusions.
Treat your connected toaster or refrigerator like you would a new PC on your
network, and you’ll increase the security of your entire network in the process.
The Internet of Things is already delivering incredible benefits for consumers and organizations
alike, but there are many potential security risks as well. Be sure to follow the four strategies
above each time you connect an IoT device to your network to gain all of the benefits of IoT while
also minimizing your risk.
WAYS TO SECURE THE
INTERNET of THINGS
4
CHANGE THE
DEFAULT PASSWORD
Did your device come with its own
password built in? If so, replace it with
your own strong password instead. If your
device was assigned a manufacturer’s
password, it’s more likely other people
have it too. That makes it easier for a
malicious hacker to access your IoT device.
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