How To Secure Your IoT Devices: A Comprehensive Guide

July 31, 2024

It's super important to make sure your smart home devices are safe from hackers. These IoT (Internet of Things) devices include your smart hubs, locks, speakers, doorbells, cameras, thermostats, lights and appliances.

This guide will help you feel more secure at home by keeping your devices safe from cybercriminals who might hack them, take them offline or control them remotely. We'll answer your questions and give you easy tips to protect your IoT devices.

Can IoT devices be compromised?

Absolutely. Like any device that is connected to the internet, IoT devices can be broken into remotely. Hackers can find and exploit weaknesses in the software or firmware of these devices. Once they get in, they can spy on you, steal your personal information or modify the firmware on a device, changing the functionality.

How can hackers get into my devices?

Hackers can get into your devices in several ways. They can guess or find weak passwords, especially if you haven't changed the default ones. Hackers can use these security holes to get in if your software isn't updated. Connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks can also make it easy for hackers to intercept your information. If they get their hands on your device, they can bypass many security features. Finally, weak encryption (the technology that scrambles your data) can be cracked, allowing hackers to access your private information.

Can my whole home network be compromised?

Yes, your whole home network can be at risk if one device gets hacked. For example, if a hacker gets into a smart device like your thermostat or security camera, they can use it to access other devices connected to the same network. This means they could potentially get into your computer, smartphone or smart TV. Once they're in, they can access your personal information and cause a lot of trouble.

What are the riskiest devices?

The riskiest devices are usually those with weaker security and frequent internet connections. Common examples include:

• Smart cameras and baby monitors
• Smart thermostats
• Smart locks
• Smart speakers and voice assistants
• Connected appliances like refrigerators and washing machines

Does every smart device store my personal data?

Not every smart device stores personal data, but many do. For example, smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Home record your voice commands. Smart cameras are used for home security and save video footage of your home. Health monitors, like fitness trackers or smartwatches, collect and store information about your physical activity, heart rate and sleep patterns.

These devices need this data to work properly and provide their services. However, this also makes them targets for hackers. If a hacker gets into a smart speaker, they could listen to your private conversations. If they hack a smart camera, they could see what's happening in your home. If they access a health monitor, they could get your personal health information. That's why it's important to secure all smart devices in your home network.

Do smart devices have automatic security patches like my computer/phone/TV/router have?

Some smart devices can update automatically for security, but not all. Check if your device supports automatic updates and turn this feature on if it does. For devices that don't support automatic updates, make sure to check for and apply updates manually on a regular basis.

I've heard IoT manufacturers don't use security protocols. Is this true?

This can be true for some manufacturers, especially those making cheaper devices. They might skip on security protocols to save money. It's important to research and choose reputable brands that prioritize security in their products.

What steps can I take to stay secure?

To stay secure, follow these steps:

1. Use strong, unique passwords for each device.
2. Enable two-factor authentication, if available.
3. Regularly update the device's software.
4. Turn off features you don't use.
5. Monitor your network for unusual activity.
6. Use a dedicated IoT security solution, or keep your smart devices on a separate network.
7. Secure your Wi-Fi network and set up a guest network for visitors to your home.
8. Do research into AI home security devices that can boost the intelligence of your smart devices and help make your home more secure.

What about a guest network? What does that do?

While we trust our family and close friends, there may be occasions when someone we don't know that well asks to use our Wi-Fi. There's also the possibility a guest's device is compromised. This may pose a threat if it's connected to your network. A guest network is a separate Wi-Fi network where visitors can use the internet without accessing your main network. By setting up a guest network, you can keep your smart devices and personal data separate from potential security threats posed by devices on the guest network, thus adding an extra layer of protection.

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Product features may have changed and are subject to change.

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