What Is The Internet of Things? IoT Cybersecurity For You & Your Business EP #13

What is a list of IoT devices?

-TV’s
-Lighting
-Smart watches
-Cars
-Thermostat
-Batteries
-Thermometer
-Blood pressure monitor
-Baby monitor
-Breathalyzer

The list goes on see here : http://iotlist.co/

Why do we need to be concerned about the Internet of things, IoT?

You need to be concerned, not scared but concerned is because companies who are developing these great products and applications are not putting security as a high priority. Most companies not all, but most are thinking about the benefits, features, accessibility and putting security way down the list. That is why we are hearing in the news Baby Monitors, FitBit’s…etc are being compromised “Hacked”. That is why we need to do our research, understand the products we are purchasing to make sure they are safe for ourselves and our families.

What do you do?

First do your research, make sure you ask how secure is the device? Is the data being transfered encrypted? When it connects to your network what wifi standard is it using by default, ask if it can be secured over the wifi connection and how? Ask if there are recent security patches and how do you up date the device when you have it at home? Also ask how frequently is the device updated, this will give you an idea how important security is to the company. If they are patches once a week or once a month that is pretty good. If they haven’t patched the device in 6 months to 1 year, I would personally be concerned.

Next when you have decided to purchase the device and get it up home, update the device to the newest firmware and make sure it has been patched to the latest version. Then connect it to your network. Now here is a tip. Most routers now have a way you can create a home network and a guest network. Your home network make that one SSID and secure password. Then make you guest network another SSID and a separate password. Connect any of your new devices you are testing to the guest network. This way you can see how it works and if there are going to be any issues. This process you have to be a little more technical, if you can do it great. If not please have a professional do this for you not your nephew who “knows computers” I just don’t want you to have it set up incorrectly and have issues.

I hope this helps and if you have any questions please fee free to ask