IoT security 101: Things to remember

Internet of Things (IoT) devices and appliances are proving to be excellent ways to leverage automation in pursuit of profitability and customer satisfaction. As with any device that connects to the internet, they need to be configured to protect business and personal data. Read on for tips on how to do this.

Set passwords

Many users fail to realize that they can set passwords for IoT devices. Failing to do so makes their gadgets easy to hack. You have to make sure to create strong passwords — preferably with a combination of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — and also put a smart and proactive password policy in place. Make use of all security options at your disposal, such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and regular password resets.

Disable Universal Plug and Play

Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) helps IoT gadgets discover and connect with other network devices. However, this feature can also be exploited as a gateway for hackers to infiltrate your devices and network. To prevent this, disable this feature.

Create a separate network

It’s a good idea to keep your IoT devices connected to a network separate from your main office network. This way, gadgets can connect to the internet but won’t have access to mission-critical files.

You can also invest in device access management tools. These allow you to control which devices can access what data, and prevent unauthorized access.

Update your firmware

You need to keep your software up to date if you want to secure your devices against cyberattacks. Manufacturers regularly release patches for the latest vulnerabilities, so make it a habit to check and install IoT firmware updates regularly.

If you have several devices, use patch management software to automate patch distribution and schedule regular updates.

Unplug it

Simply disconnecting your devices or turning them off when not in use can significantly reduce your vulnerability to cyberattacks. It removes potential entry points into your network and minimizes the chances of unauthorized access to your network.

With the advent of IoT devices in homes and offices, hackers also developed more cunning ways to exploit them. Adopting the abovementioned security habits can prevent a variety of IoT attacks, but if you need to beef up your security, contact us today. We have robust security solutions to keep your hardware and systems safe.