Cybersecurity Challenges on the Internet of Things (IoT) Era: Safeguarding Connected Devices
Cybersecurity experts have been warning us that the Internet of Things (IoT) is a security nightmare, and it’s not just hype.
In fact, we are already seeing cyberattacks against connected devices on an almost daily basis. The scary thing is, most of these attacks are happening with no human involvement whatsoever!
The Internet of Things is growing by leaps and bounds
The Internet of Things is a buzzword that you've probably heard before, but what does it mean? The IoT refers to the increasingly connected world around us. There are already billions of devices connected to the internet and this number is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years as more and more things become smart, connected and networked.
The number of connected devices will continue to rise dramatically over time; estimates suggest that by 2030 there could be as many as 50 billion smart devices worldwide!
Cybersecurity challenges are real and growing
The Internet of Things is a network of devices that communicate with each other, often through the internet.
The number of connected devices is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years, as more manufacturers offer them and consumers adopt them. This makes it an exciting time for tech companies and consumers alike--but it also presents new challenges related to cybersecurity.
The nature of IoT devices means they are more vulnerable than traditional computers because they're often not updated regularly and can be easily exploited by hackers looking for ways into your system, so they can steal information or disrupt services like power grids or transportation systems.
There are many steps you can take to protect yourself from cyberattacks:
- Make sure all your devices are updated regularly.
- Install antivirus software and keep it up to date.
- Use strong passwords that include numbers, letters and symbols to make them more difficult for hackers to crack.
- Don't click on links or download attachments from emails you don't recognize.
- Keep your cybersecurity software up to date and turn on automatic updates.
- Use a VPN when using public Wi-Fi to help protect your data from being intercepted.
Hackers are trying to take advantage of our smart devices
Hackers are trying to take advantage of vulnerabilities in the systems that manage our smart devices. They can exploit these vulnerabilities to gain access to your data, or even take control of your smart devices.
This is why it's important for you to keep up with security updates for all of your internet-connected devices--including computers and smartphones, as well as things like smart TVs and speakers.
IoT security issues could be avoided if manufacturers paid more attention to cybersecurity from the start
According to a professional IT equipment reseller Big Data Supply, IoT security issues could be avoided if manufacturers paid more attention to cybersecurity from the start.
They need to be more proactive in testing for security holes, make it easier for users to install updates and patches, and be more transparent about potential vulnerabilities.
The industry needs better standards for IoT devices so that all manufacturers can meet them--and consumers will have a better idea of what they're buying when they buy an IoT product.
As we move forward into this era of connected devices, it's important that we focus on improving cybersecurity protections across all industries while also making sure our data is safe from hackers who want access to personal information or other sensitive data stored on our computers or smartphones (or even smart refrigerators).
Inadequate patching may mean that security holes stay open for a long time
Patch management is a critical part of any security program. It can be difficult to keep up with patches, particularly when they're released on a regular basis. But if you don't patch your devices, there's a good chance that they will be vulnerable to attack and compromised by hackers.
In addition to patching being important for security reasons, it can also help prevent downtime if an attacker exploits a vulnerability in your IoT device or network hardware (like routers).
If you've got hardware that isn't patched against known vulnerabilities and an attacker finds one of those vulnerabilities in your unpatched device, then they may be able to gain control over your system--and potentially disrupt whatever service it provides (such as internet access).
Devices that connect to smartphones are particularly vulnerable
The most common target for hackers is a smartphone. This is because many people use their phones as a gateway to other devices, such as smart home and IoT devices. Smartphone apps can be used to control smart home devices, while other apps may also be vulnerable to hacking attacks.
Hackers can also access your phone through an app or website that contains malicious code in its codebase--and this includes apps you've downloaded from the official stores (like Apple's App Store or Google Play).
If you're concerned about malware on your computer, then make sure all the software installed on it has been thoroughly vetted by reputable sources before installing them!
Hackers can specifically target certain brands or types of devices
The more popular a device is, the more likely it is to be targeted. For example, hackers may look for devices with large numbers of users, such as smart TVs or online cameras.
Similarly, devices that are used for high-value activities like healthcare and financial services are also attractive targets because they can yield significant returns for attackers.
The popularity of IoT devices means that there are plenty of opportunities for hackers to exploit them in order to gain access to sensitive data or infrastructure networks. In such a scenario, implementing insider threat detection software becomes crucial to identify and mitigate risks from within the organization.
In fact, many cybersecurity experts believe that IoT security concerns are one of the biggest threats facing businesses today - especially since so many companies rely on these technologies every day!
There are many threats to consider when it comes to protecting your connected devices
As more and more devices become connected, hackers are finding new ways to exploit them. In the past, hackers were primarily interested in targeting personal computers and servers.
Now, they're looking for ways to infiltrate the internet of things, the billions of sensors, devices, appliances and other gadgets that make up this growing ecosystem.
The threat isn't just limited to personal computers; it extends across all types of connected devices. From smart home thermostats and refrigerators all the way down to pacemakers and insulin pumps.
There's even evidence that some hackers have begun targeting IoT devices specifically with ransomware attacks designed specifically for these connected products!
Conclusion
The internet of things is the next frontier in cybersecurity, and it's going to be a big one. Connected devices allow hackers to access your home or office, steal data from your computer or smartphone, hijack smart cars and trucks--the list goes on.
While there are many ways to protect yourself from these threats, you should also know that some IoT devices are inherently insecure because they lack any built-in protections against malware or other cyberattacks.
