Smart devices, which collectively make up the Internet of Things have been found several times to lack the recommended mechanisms that implement security and safeguard user’s privacy. It’s even worse since most consumers don’t know what they are dealing with when it comes to smart technology. In a survey conducted in 2018, more than 50% of smart tech consumers are unconcerned about privacy issues posed by smart devices.
此外，大多数制造商也不关心安全和隐私问题，因为他们急于盈利。大多数消费者也急于购买符合自己预算的设备，而不考虑安全和隐私等其他因素。
Cybercriminals, on the other hand, are exploiting this lack of cyber-awareness on smart devices. IoTs form a large percentage of data breaches and here is why their security is a priority;
- 僵尸网络威胁
Smart devices perform some task-oriented processing, and some connect to the internet. And anything with a processor can be hacked while anything that connects to the internet can be compromised. This puts smart devices in a vulnerable spot since most of them lack proper security mechanisms. With the rise of sophisticated malware, cybercriminals are making a large network of botnets from powerful internet of things. Botnets can be used maliciously to propagate DDoS attacks and other malicious activities such as crypto-jacking.
与其他互联网设备相比，缺乏推荐的安全级别使物联网成为恶意行为者的主要攻击目标。物联网是收集数据、监视和发动攻击的最佳选择，甚至连智能咖啡壶都可以用来发动攻击。
- 数据的相互连接
Smart devices are connected with other smart devices and other devices in the network in various forms. For instance, one smart device can be used to control how other smart devices work. This means it has access to the other smart device’s data. The other smart devices may also have access to other devices’ data. At times this data might be sensitive and cybercriminals shouldn’t get hold of it.
Smart devices also connect to other devices such as your phone through Apps. Although they can operate without apps, these apps enable us to get maximum and efficient functionality from the devices. On the dark side, these apps are also as vulnerable as the devices. Recent research revealed that 31% of top selling smart devices lack data encryptions. For some, 19% had an encryption which was easy to break through reverse engineering. This means that cybercriminals can easily hack and gain access to the majority of the Internet of things and wreak havoc in ways they choose.
如何确保安全
As a consumer, you are not entirely powerless in making sure that your IoTs are protected. You should ensure that any smart device you own is secure enough whether it has access to the internet or not. Here are some ways in which you can ensure your smart devices are secure and your data is not compromised;
- 正确配置
This involves changing the default password to something strong and unique. You can also set proper security configuration to smart devices that provide such an option. Default passwords are easy to break, and most of them can be found online.
- 随时更新
智能设备需要使用一些固件才能正常运行。虽然大多数设备不提供更新，但还是要更新那些提供更新的设备。软件更新可以修复漏洞，大大降低被黑客攻击的几率。
- 限制访问您的个人数据
Besides smart devices, your home network is made up of other devices that contain your sensitive data such as your phone, your computer, and drives connected to your router for easy access. As a good security practice, some devices don’t need access to this sensitive data, and you should make a separate network for them. A separate properly configured network ensures your data is safe if your smart devices are hacked. In case of apps, give permission access cautiously; a smart device app doesn’t need to have access to your financial information.
使用 VPN - IPBurger VPN
A VPN is a great deal and the ultimate protector of your security and privacy when you connect to the internet. A VPN uses very strong encryptions which are hard to break and hence your internet traffic won’t be accessible by prying eyes such as cybercriminals. Since most smart devices don’t support VPN installations, use IPBurger VPN for the router and protect all your smart devices at once.
