Do you live in a smart home?
Is your office a smart office?
Do you walk out of the conference room and the lights switch off?
Every smart element of the workspace (now, homes too) is related to the Internet of Things. This area of technology is quickly gaining importance and also creating a series of security risks.
If your organization or you personally own a series of smart devices, then you may be susceptible to these risks. Hence, to help you avoid these risks, we have created a list of 10 IoT security tips. Dive in and understand these tips.
10 Tips for IoT Device Security
1. What’s Connected
Before securing any IoT device, you need to know which devices are vulnerable. This means you are required to find out the connected devices of the home or workplace. For example, security camera, gaming consoles, laptops, computers, etc.
The more deeply you research in this step, the better will be the outcome. Sometimes, we miss a link and that link gets attacked.
2. Password Protection
Follow the basic rule here: use one capital letter, one special character, and one number in your password.
This is not just a nagging need of your Apple ID or other password-protected online account. Instead, this password generation method should be utilized everywhere. This combination makes it hard for the hacker to crack your password.
Also, keep different passwords for every device. It is hard but necessary!
3. Smartphone Usage
Today, smartphones are called smart for several reasons and one of it is protection against any potential threat. Whenever your smartphone is stolen, what is the first step?
You call the police?
No.
You should lock your phone through the online backup. This will prevent the hacker or the person who has stolen your information from gaining confidential information.
Also, remember to keep your phone password protected for an additional layer of security.
4. Insecure Connections
When you are in dire need of WiFi, it is obvious for us to utilize public WiFi. Beware, this can be a trap. You are willingly attracting cyberattack on your device through this step.
So, avoid using insecure connections on your device.
Also, create a strong password for the home WiFi to further secure the connection.
5. Multiple Networks
You can create more than one networks for your home or office WiFi. Better and more the segmentation, the harder it is to get into your IoT device.
Your network provider can usually guide you through this step.
6. Firewall Usage
Always use a firewall. While some systems automatically offer firewall, you should download an additional firewall if you have high internet usage.
You need this extra layer of security to always keep your systems protected from potential threats and IoT hackers or attacks.
7. Security Patch Updating
Whenever your IoT devices have an update, update your system.
You should instead put your system on automatic update or update it as soon as possible.
Without updates, you are leaving a loophole for the hacker. The longer you wait, the more susceptible your system becomes.
In an office setting, the IT team should look for security loopholes regularly. As and when they find it, these loopholes should be patched and patches should be thoroughly checked.
8. Disconnect Devices
Many of your IoT devices don’t even need a consistent internet connection. Hence, when you are not using it, turn it off. For example, your smart TV. Turn it off to avoid inviting hackers and attackers.
9. Modify Default Settings
Check the default settings of your IoT connected devices and understand the features you don’t need. You can stop utilizing them or start utilizing other features. Become a smart user and customize your setting accordingly.
10. Change Router Name
Avoid giving any information to the hacker, thus, change the name of your router. Don’t give a name which is associated with your street name or computer information or device information. Choose a general name for the router.
Conclusion
As the usage of IoT device is increasing, so is the susceptibility to cyberattack. Not only office IoT devices but also home IoT devices are susceptible due to the crucial information that may be stored in these devices. Hence, be careful and use the above tips to avoid a hacker from getting into your smart device.
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