With the increasing interconnectivity and internet access to devices, IoT devices’ vulnerability to cyber-attacks has also escalated. Regardless of what devices you use, their connection to the internet makes them open to potential exploitation by cybercriminals.
Hackers can take control of your device, steal sensitive data, or generally gain unauthorized access. IoT devices have more online vulnerabilities than you might expect.
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How Do Hackers Target IoT Devices?
So, how do hackers target IoT devices? Lets discover some of the ways your IoT devices can be targeted by cybercriminals and how to protect them and your personal data.
Botnets
Imagine your IoT device is not just a tool but a soldier in a vast army. This is the reality of botnet networks made of compromised devices that cybercriminals use to launch coordinated attacks. If you’ve ever experienced a DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attack, this is likely how it was done. Due to their interconnectivity and vulnerability, IoT devices are a prime target for these attacks.
Eavesdropping
If you poorly secure IoT devices, they can be exploited and used to spy on you. Cybercriminals can intercept and monitor your data. Any sensitive information can easily be exposed, and bad actors can use it in various ways. They can sell your data on dark web forums or use it to compromise your other online accounts.
Unauthorized Access & Device Damage
When an IoT device is compromised, cybercriminals can use it to perform various malicious activities. They can intentionally damage your devices or use them to collect sensitive data. Generally, IoT devices that allow cybercriminals direct control over them have one of the following aspects:
- Weak password or default password settings.
- Unpatched vulnerabilities.
- Inadequate access control.
Controlling another person’s devices from afar while remaining anonymous gives cybercriminals a sense of power and other uses. Hence, your IoT device is a target.
Data Theft
Most IoT devices store or transmit plenty of user-sensitive information, which may include financial details, personal data, and intellectual property. Since these devices aren’t as secure as others, cybercriminals often target them to steal valuable data.
Unpatched Software
Just like any software, IoT devices require regular security updates to address vulnerabilities. Unfortunately, many manufacturers don’t prioritize timely updates, leaving these devices exposed to known exploits. Hackers are quick to capitalize on such opportunities, infiltrating unpatched devices with ease.
Unsecured Network Connections:
Connecting your IoT devices to a public Wi-Fi network is akin to throwing a welcome party for hackers. These networks lack encryption, making it a breeze for attackers to intercept data flowing between your devices and the internet.
Malware:
Just like traditional computers, IoT devices can be infected with malware specifically designed to target them. This malware can steal sensitive data, hijack device functionality, or even turn them into foot soldiers in a large-scale cyberattack.
Zero-Day Attacks:
These are the ultimate nightmare for security professionals – previously unknown vulnerabilities that haven’t been patched yet. Hackers constantly scan for these vulnerabilities, and once discovered, they exploit them to gain access to devices before a fix is available.
Advanced Hacking Techniques: When Common Vulnerabilities Aren’t Enough
While weak passwords and unsecured networks remain popular entry points, hackers are constantly innovating. Here are some lesser-known methods they might employ:
- Supply Chain Shenanigans: Hackers might target manufacturers or software vendors that supply components or firmware for your IoT devices. By compromising these upstream sources, they can introduce vulnerabilities into a vast number of devices at once.
- Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: These attacks involve the hacker intercepting communication between your IoT device and its intended destination (e.g., a cloud server). The hacker can then steal data, inject malicious code, or even redirect communication altogether. Imagine a hacker eavesdropping on your smart thermostat, manipulating settings to disrupt your comfort, and potentially even gather data on your daily routines.
- Side-Channel Attacks: These sophisticated techniques exploit unintended information leaks from a device’s hardware or software. For instance, a hacker might analyze the power consumption patterns of a smart lock to deduce the combination sequence.
- Social Engineering Scams: Hackers can use social engineering tactics to trick you into granting them access to your IoT devices. This could involve phishing emails disguised as legitimate support requests or social media messages luring you to download malicious software.
Protect Your IoT Devices and Reduce Risks
Your IoT devices, although vulnerable, can be protected. You can boost your cybersecurity in these devices despite their vulnerabilities and lessen the risks. Here are some ways to do this:
Secure Configuration
Keep all your IoT devices regularly updated to patch up the latest security risks. Do not use weak, common, or the same passwords on all your devices and accounts. Opt for strong, solid, and unique passwords.
Network Segmentation
You can isolate and limit your IoT devices by using a separate network or VLAN. This can be helpful if one device is compromised. Network segmentation will prevent the breach from spreading to other devices.
Firewall and Network Monitoring
A strong, configured firewall can quickly secure your IoT devices. Moreover, regular monitoring can achieve even more. Take notes of your network traffic to detect and respond promptly to any suspicious activity.
Use a VPN
You can use a virtual private network (VPN) that makes your connections more secure. Use of a VPN meaning that the data between your IoT devices and the web is encrypted. This way, cybercriminals will be less likely to intercept your data or eavesdrop.
VPNs can be used simultaneously on multiple devices and can hide your actual IP address with a different one. If a cybercriminal wants to target your IoT devices, having a VPN will make it more difficult for them to find your device.
Since a VPN can bypass geo-restrictions, it can be used for more than just cybersecurity. Easy access to content or services otherwise restricted to certain regions can be useful for your IoT devices, and cloud-based services might become more accessible and efficient.
If you route your online traffic through a secure VPN server, your overall online privacy will increase, and the risk of having your IoT devices targeted will also drop.
Some VPN providers offer additional features to protect your data and ensure your online anonymity. For example, the killswitch feature prevents devices from connecting to the internet unless the VPN is active. This feature guarantees that all your devices are protected.
Disconnect Unused IoT Devices
If you have IoT devices you don’t use or that are not always active, make sure they are not connected. Bad actors can access IoT devices as long as they are connected to the internet. Unused IoT devices are more vulnerable than active ones as they most likely haven’t been updated, which makes them vulnerable to the latest security risks.
Security Cameras with Edge Recording
Traditional security cameras often transmit footage to the cloud for storage. However, this creates a vulnerability if the cloud storage is compromised. Cameras with edge recording store footage locally on the device itself, offering an extra layer of security.
Sandboxing
This technique creates a virtual environment to isolate untrusted applications or devices. If a device gets compromised within the sandbox, it won’t affect your main network. While not commonly available for consumer-grade IoT devices yet, sandboxing technology is evolving and may become more prominent in the future.
Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)
These advanced security tools continuously monitor your network traffic and can detect suspicious activity or attempted intrusions. They can either alert you of potential threats or automatically take action to block them.
Research Before You Buy
When purchasing new IoT devices, prioritize those with a good reputation for security. Look for devices that offer regular security updates and strong encryption protocols.
Keeping Your Guard Up: Ongoing Maintenance and Vigilance
IoT security is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. Here are some additional tips for staying vigilant:
Stay Informed
Proactive and comprehensive security measures are essential for IoT devices. They evolve together with vulnerabilities that are exposed, controlled, and patched. Simply reading about the latest incidents related to IoT and cybercrimes can help you learn a lot and boost your cybersecurity knowledge.
Users should always stay informed about the best cybersecurity practices and know how to recognize a threat or a data breach. Suspicious activities detected on IoT devices should always be reported. This way, you actively contribute to improving and securing IoT devices.
Regular Monitoring
Monitor your network activity for any unusual behavior. Some routers offer built-in tools for this, or you can use third-party network monitoring software.
Disable Remote Access When Not Needed
If you don’t need to access your IoT devices remotely, disable remote access features to minimize attack surfaces.
FAQs About IoT Security
Why are IoT devices attractive targets for cybercriminals?
IoT devices are attractive targets for cybercriminals due to their widespread adoption, often inadequate security measures, and constant connectivity to the internet. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in these devices to gain unauthorized access, steal sensitive data, launch DDoS attacks, or use them as entry points into larger networks.
How can I check if my IoT device has been compromised?
Look for signs such as unusual network activity, unexplained data usage, or unexpected changes in device behavior.
What should I do if my IoT device is hacked?
Here’s what you should do if you suspect your IoT device is hacked:
Disconnect the device: Kick it off the Wi-Fi! Turn it off or find the Wi-Fi settings to forget the network.
Change the password: If you can still access the settings, create a new, super strong password that’s hard to guess. Think secret agent stuff!
Isolate the device: If possible, put your gadget on a separate Wi-Fi from your other devices for a while. Like giving it a time-out.
Update the software: Just like your games, your gadget might need an update to patch any holes hackers could exploit. Check the manufacturer’s website (the company that built it) for updates and install them.
Report the issue: Let the manufacturer know something suspicious is happening. They can help fix it and prevent it from happening to others.
Monitor your Wi-Fi: Keep an eye out for anything weird on your Wi-Fi. This could mean your gadget (or something else) is still acting strange.
What can happen if an IoT device gets hacked?
When an IoT device gets hacked, several consequences can unfold. Firstly, sensitive data like personal information or financial details could be compromised. Additionally, hackers might gain control over the device itself, allowing them to manipulate its functions or use it for malicious activities. This could lead to privacy violations, operational disruptions, or even physical harm in cases where IoT devices control critical infrastructure or appliances. Moreover, a hacked IoT device can serve as a gateway to infiltrate other devices or networks connected to it, amplifying the scope of potential damage. Therefore, securing IoT devices against hacking is crucial to safeguard both personal and organizational security.
How often are IoT devices hacked?
Statistics on IoT device hacks are sobering. Reports indicate a significant increase in attacks, with millions of devices compromised annually. Vulnerabilities are exploited frequently, highlighting ongoing risks. Maintaining strong security measures is crucial amid this evolving threat landscape.
What is a real life example of IoT attacks from past?
One notable real-life example of an IoT attack occurred in 2016 with the Mirai botnet. Hackers exploited vulnerable IoT devices like cameras and routers to create a massive network used to launch distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. These attacks disrupted major websites and services worldwide, showcasing the potential impact of IoT vulnerabilities when exploited maliciously.
What are the most risky IoT devices?
The most risky IoT devices typically include those with poor security measures and direct internet connectivity. Examples include smart home devices like cameras and thermostats, medical IoT devices, and industrial IoT systems controlling machinery or utilities. These devices often lack robust security features, making them vulnerable to hacks that can compromise privacy, disrupt operations, or even endanger physical safety.
