Internet of Things (IoT): A connected world with risks 🛡️ – substack.com

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing the way we live.
From smart light bulbs that turn on and off with our voice, security cameras that allow us to see our home from anywhere in the world, devices that we can turn on or off while away from home, among many other products, more and more, are connected to the internet, creating a more convenient and automated world.
This increasing connectivity also brings with it new risks.
Cybercriminals are exploiting the vulnerability of IoT devices to launch attacks, steal data and cause damage.
The lack of security updates: Many IoT devices, such as smart locks, smart thermostats and even smart toys, do not receive regular security updates, making them an easy target for cybercriminals. They take advantage of a vulnerability in the device to take some action.
Botnet attacks: A botnet is a fairly large set of machines (usually) where cybercriminals have access to them (previously breached) and from there they can perform certain actions such as taking control of IoT devices, like smart routers, webcams and even printers, and use them to launch denial of service attacks (launching many requests pointing to a service and thus making the service stop working) or to spread malware.
Data vulnerability: IoT devices can collect a wealth of data about our lives, such as our consumption habits, our location and even our sleep patterns. This data can be stolen and used for malicious purposes, such as identity theft or fraud.
Update your devices’ software: Make sure your IoT devices' software is up to date with the latest security patches. You can do this by checking the manufacturer's website or the device's application.
Use strong passwords: Choose strong and unique passwords for each of your IoT devices. Avoid using the same password for several devices. I leave link to the post we previously made about secure passwords. https://shorturl.at/SU9UW
Enable two-factor authentication: If possible, enable two-factor authentication for your IoT devices. This will add an additional layer of security and make it more difficult for cybercriminals to access your devices. (We will do a related installment on this topic).
Be careful what you connect: Do not connect just any device to your Wi-Fi network. Only connect devices that you really need and that are from trusted sources.
Keep your Wi-Fi network secure: Use a strong password for your Wi-Fi network and make sure it is encrypted. You can also enable WPA2-AES encryption to protect your network. This last step (WiFi) is almost the most important as it is almost always the entry point for attackers, you can use the link above for secure passwords.
In 2018, a cybercriminal took control of a Nest webcam and used it to spy on a couple in their own home. The cybercriminal was able to watch the couple live and even talk to them through the camera's microphone.
IoT devices can be used to cause physical harm. For example, a cybercriminal could take control of a smart lock and break into your home without you realizing it. Or it could take control of a smart thermostat and raise the temperature to a dangerous level, which could put your health at risk.
IoT devices can be used to steal data. Cybercriminals could steal personal information, such as your spending habits, location or sleep patterns, from your IoT devices. This information could be used for identity theft, fraud or even to blackmail you..
IoT devices can be used to disrupt your daily life. A cybercriminal could take control of your IoT devices and cause annoyances, such as turning off the lights, blocking your internet access, or even playing music at full volume.
IoT is a powerful technology that can improve our lives, but it is important to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect ourselves.
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For the followers who follow us from the beginning you can see that the guidelines to follow and the measures to take are almost always the same. (Those of you who are joining I recommend taking a pass through the previous posts 😁)

By this I mean that as we educate ourselves and become aware of the threats in today’s world, we will be prepared to take the appropriate actions.
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