Cyber attacks on the Internet of things or IoT is a major concern for the public. With so many devices on the market that can connect to the Internet, there is a lot of room for hackers to explore and even more devices to compromise. Free wifi is another piece of the puzzle that makes IoT vulnerable. So if you have a smart home or other Internet-enabled devices like baby monitors, security cameras, and appliances, you’ll want to consider these security essentials to safeguard yourself and your devices as best you can.
1. Separate Networks
You’ll need to put your Internet-enabled devices on separate networks. If this sounds too complicated, cyber security company Perth can help you out. But you’ll need to make this a top priority according to the FBI. Placing your smart devices and appliances on a separate network will make it far more difficult for hackers to access your personal devices like your phones, tablets and laptops. You’ll need to attach a second router with a different IP address to your first router to achieve separate networks.
2. Secure Passwords
Creating strong and secure passwords is a must. Many smart devices come with a password, but it is imperative that you change it. It is a temporary password that is meant to be replaced with something unique and more secure. Strong passwords consist of both uppercase and lowercase letters with numbers and special characters. Names and real words are generally less secure than randomized passwords.
3. Updated Software
Always keep the software or firmware of devices up to date. Updates are usually issued for more than just appearances. They come with bug fixes, security updates, and other safety measures. This can make the difference between being susceptible to a cyberattack and maintaining your privacy. There is cause for concern if your devices are not being updated.
4. VLAN
VLANs are another way to make your network and your devices more secure. They are virtual networks that look and behave like a separate network, but remain part of the original network. VLANs are a part of most modern wifi routers and can be accessed through micro-segmentation. And even if you do leverage your modem’s VLAN in your favor, you will still need to make sure that every device has a unique and strong password. This added protection makes you far less vulnerable.
5. Encryption Protocols
IoT devices should be encrypted. Be sure to do your research on the safety and security protocols that have been enacted in any device before making your final choice. Encryption is absolutely essential for devices that are connected to a mobile app or remote gateway. Ordinary web protocols are in plain text and easy to decipher and destroy.
As our use of technology and the Internet grows, there are more and more threats that need to be assessed and thwarted. Smart homes and smart devices are clever tools that we have come to lean heavily on, and we need to learn just as heavily into securing them.
Alex Jordan
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