IoT leaks top the list of cyber threats & why you should care

Technology is more accessible than ever and can control everything from your business transactions to the lighting in your home, but all of this interconnectivity comes with a risk.

Hackers are becoming bolder by the day, and they don’t discriminate who they are attacking based on the size, industry, or location. The only thing they care about is the Internet of Things (IoT)—a term that encompasses ALL devices and objects that are connected to the internet—and the plethora of digital intelligence it contains.

Protecting our clients from hackers is a top priority. In the past, we have blogged about the necessity of cybersecurity and some steps that can be taken to protect your business data, but today we’re breaking down the single largest threat to small- and medium-sized businesses.

CONNECTING…

We mentioned that the Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the billions of devices worldwide that are connected to the internet, but let’s explore the scope of this definition and what an IoT leak could mean for a business.

There is no limit to what could be considered a part of the IoT because ANY object that can be connected to the internet is considered an IoT device.

Here are a few examples of commonly used personal IoT devices: GPS, pacemakers, web cameras, Amazon’s Echo, and home security systems.

With wireless networks and cheap processors readily available, the digital and physical worlds continue to mesh. The IoT is already huge, and getting bigger, but why should you care?

SHARING IS NOT ALWAYS CARING

An IoT leak could be disastrous for any business. No matter the type of breach, the financial costs are high and reputation impacts are long-lasting to any business.

Since these devices, especially in businesses, are interconnected and share data amongst themselves, access to one would mean easy access to any affiliated devices. Furthermore, once inside an IoT device, hackers can easily install malware and take control of the entire system.

The best way to stay ahead of these cyber threats is to be aware of how they can occur and take steps to protect your business. Don’t worry, we will walk you through both.

WORLDWIDE WEB OF HACKERS

The internet has provided us with live updates, real-time data collection, immediate international communication, instant access to a multitude of information, and hackers.

Many small- to medium-sized businesses have trouble seeing themselves as a target to these cyber criminals, thinking, what could they possibly want from me?—but that’s precisely what makes them easy targets.

While the Internet of Things was initially most appealing to business and manufacturing with its machine-to-machine (M2M) applications, nowadays, IoT devices are being used in almost every industry. However, these devices lack built-in security and can leave a digital backdoor open.

PASSWORD STRENGTH: ???

Hackers prey on IoT devices because they can locate them through automated programs and can usually gain access by using default admin credentials. To deter these types of cyber attacks, we recommend a few things.

1. Change the password(s) on any new devices immediately after setup.
2. Make sure all admin and user settings are updated and that no default credentials can be used.
3. Finally, if you would like a second opinion on your cybersecurity, contact us to arrange a free consultation.