Privacy concerns have increased with the rise in voice-enabled gadgets. How secure are IoT devices? Can they misuse our data, And can they misuse our data?
Over the past few years, the Internet of Things (IoT), devices have been one of the most important technologies of the 21st century. IoT is the internet of things. It connects everyday household devices like lights, cars, and thermostats. Internet.
It is possible to connect household devices to the internet and create a seamless communication channel between people, things, or processes.
IoT devices, from Amazon Echo to Google Home have made it possible for users to listen to their voice and play music, set timers, or obtain information by simply listening to their voice. Regardless of the fact that it only picks up instructions, the device is still listening.
Many of us wonder how to secure IoT devices are really. Are they listening to us all the time? Do they put our personal information at stake in our homes?
Keep reading and you’ll learn everything you need! To understand more, enroll in the internet of things course.
IoT Usage: An Overview
IoT refers to a network of devices embedded with software and sensors that can connect and exchange data over the internet with other devices.
Oracle reports that there are more than 7 billion IoT devices in use today. IoT will continue to expand and increase this number to 10 million by 2020 and 22,000,000 by 2025.
This has been possible thanks to IoT innovation, which leverages low-cost computing, cloud computing, big data analytics, and mobile technologies to enable physical objects to share and collect data with minimal human intervention. The Internet of Things on Cloud.
Although smart speakers like the Amazon Echo are the most well-known IoT devices, smart plugs and lightbulbs are just a few of the many that rely on IoT communication to work. These digital systems can monitor, adjust, and record every interaction between connected objects.
IoT devices are making huge progress in the industrial sector, as well as outside the home. It has even been given a new name, the Industrial IoT (IIoT), to describe the instrumentation and control of sensors and devices that use cloud technology. It also covers other industries such as logistics, transport, oil and gas, and mining.
The IIoT has many common uses, including:
- Smart Manufacturing
- Preventive and predictive maintenance as well as connected assets
- Smart power grids
- Smart cities
- Connected logistics
- Smart digital supply chains
And as IoT becomes more widespread in the marketplace, businesses are recognizing the immense business value it can bring. IoT devices are able to gather vast amounts of data that can be used to monitor and analyze businesses. This is the most important aspect of IoT.
But, there’s still the big question: Are all our conversations being heard by any IoT devices at home or at work?
Also read: Top 10 IoT Cloud Platforms
IoT to Improve Safety
Before we answer that question, There’s an interesting advantage to IoT that you should consider. IoT has many benefits which can completely transform many lives direct
IoT devices make it easier for workers in hazardous environments to monitor safety protocols
It is crucial to be aware of the possibility of an emergency affecting employees who work in dangerous environments. When connected to IoT-based applications, workers in hazardous environments like mines, oil and natural gas fields, chemical, and power plants can be notified about accidents and rescued as quickly as possible.
It is important to remember that IoT can be a good thing, despite privacy concerns we will finally discuss.
Privacy Concerns
IoT is gaining popularity and new IoT devices are launched every day. However, very few are checked for compliance before they are released.
According to IntellectSoft, the primary reason for most IoT security problems is that manufacturers don’t spend enough time or resources on security.
Bluetooth fitness trackers can still be seen after pairing. A smart refrigerator can also expose Gmail login credentials. A Bluetooth key can open a smart fingerprint padlock that has the same MAC address and padlock device.
This is one of IoT’s biggest security problems. Although there are no universal IoT security standards in place, manufacturers continue creating devices that lack security. Manufacturers don’t always consider security as a critical aspect of product design.
Here are some security concerns in IoT devices manufactured by manufacturers:
- Weak, guessable, or hard-coded passwords
- Hardware issues
- Inadequacy of a secure update system
- Software and embedded operating systems that are not up to date
- Unsecure data storage and transfer
This problem is made worse by the fact that IoT device users don’t have a clear understanding of their vulnerabilities and how to protect them.
There are other risks to IoT devices, such as malware being infected through infected USBs, botnets, and deliberate hacking by hackers.
Security measures to protect your devices
It is important to remember that IoT devices do not have the same vulnerability to malware attacks as regular computers. They don’t have the same software security updates as a regular computer. This poses a safety risk. They can quickly be turned into a weapon of destruction or used to transport large amounts of data, even if the user is not intending to.
There are steps IoT users can take in order to reduce the risk of their devices being infected.
Here are some options:
- Reputable internet security software should be installed on smartphones, tablets, and computers that connect to IoT devices.
- Strong passwords are important for Wi-Fi networks, device accounts, and other connected devices.
- Avoid common words and generic passwords that are easy for others to guess apps can be dangerous. To see how the apps plan to use your data, always read their privacy policies
- Before you make a purchase, do your research. Because they collect so much personal data, devices are deemed smart. Although data collection can help devices personalize according to user preferences and other factors, it is important to be aware of the types of data that the devices collect, how they store it, and if third parties have access. You should also be aware of the data breach policies.
- Be aware of what data your phone or app needs to access. If the data is not necessary for the app’s functionality then deny permission
- Trusted VPNs help to protect data sent from your home or public Wi-Fi.
- For firmware updates, make sure to visit the manufacturer’s website often
- Be careful when you use these social sharing apps. Social sharing tools can reveal information such as your location and let others know when you’re not home. This information can be used by cybercriminals to track your movements. This could be a cyberstalking issue or other real threats.
If you’re using your smartphone in public places, it is important to keep it safe. If you are in a crowded area, it is advisable to turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth access. Many smartphone brands permit automatic sharing with others within close proximity. - IoT devices are not updated like other gadgets. Users can make their connected phones and computers safer by making information more secure.
- Protecting your smartphone is crucial to protect IoT devices. Typically, financial information, such as passwords and email addresses, and financial information can easily be exchanged between them.
Also read: What is Cellular IoT A Complete Guide
The Threat of Criminally Minded Hackers
We discussed the security concerns that IoT devices face and suggested ways that we can mitigate them.
Experts are now speculating on additional risks from IoT devices. Innovations like the smart car could prove to be extremely dangerous if cybersecurity measures are not in place. IoT attacks may result in driverless cars being connected to devices that transmit malware via botnets and spam emails or even become mobile bombs.
Conclusion: How can IoT be more secure?
Any kind of IoT problem can be disastrous for businesses. It could be as simple as customers’ information being leaked, shipments being damaged due to temperature controls failing, or malware infecting their systems.
CIOs and other IoT decision-makers need to be proactive about auditing and managing devices. This may mean walking the floors to see what devices are connecting to enterprise network networks. They need a team of cybersecurity experts who are well-versed in how to secure their IoT operations.
