The Internet of Vulnerable things: We are all toys to Hackers!

5 Tips to safeguard your IoT devices

1. Change Default Credentials: Many IoT devices come with default usernames and passwords that are well-known to attackers. Always change these default credentials to strong, unique passwords during the initial setup. Use a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters to create strong passwords.
2. Regular Firmware Updates: Keep your IoT device’s firmware up to date. Manufacturers often release firmware updates that include security patches for vulnerabilities that have been discovered. Regularly check for updates and apply them promptly to ensure your devices are protected against known vulnerabilities.
3. Network Segmentation: Separate your IoT devices from your main network, especially from sensitive devices like computers and smartphones. This can be done by creating a guest network or VLAN (Virtual LAN). This way, even if an IoT device is compromised, it won’t have direct access to critical devices and data.
4. Use Strong Network Security: Strengthen your home or office network security to protect IoT devices. This includes using strong, unique passwords for your Wi-Fi network, enabling WPA3 encryption if supported, and disabling unnecessary network services or ports that IoT devices don’t require. Also, consider using network security solutions like firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
5. Review Privacy Settings and Data Sharing: Many IoT devices collect and share data. Review the privacy settings and data-sharing options for each device and disable any features that are not essential. Be cautious about sharing personal or sensitive information with IoT devices, and consider devices that offer offline functionality or limit data collection.