As IoT devices become ubiquitous, their vulnerabilities—like weak passwords, unsecured networks, and outdated firmware—make them prime targets for hackers. To protect them, start by changing default credentials and securing your network with encryption and segmentation. Regularly update firmware, disable unused features, and prioritize devices with built-in encryption. Pair these steps with vigilance, strong passwords, and buying from trusted brands to build a robust defense against cyber threats.
IoT device security
IoT devices are physical objects with internet connectivity, operating remotely and often collecting data like temperature, movement, or even medical information. Their interconnected nature and simplified hardware, lacking robust on-board security, make them attractive targets for cybercriminals. High-profile incidents, such as the 2021 compromise of 150,000 Verkada security camera feeds, underscore the real-world risks, including data breaches, botnet recruitment, and physical tampering. Given that about 30% of devices in the average organization are unsecured IoT devices, the urgency for robust security measures is clear, especially for enterprises.
Here’s a structured and comprehensive strategy How to secure IoT devices
Securing IoT devices from hackers requires a multi-layered approach to address various vulnerabilities.
Password Security
Many IoT devices come with default passwords, such as “admin” or “1234,” which are easily guessed. Changing these to strong, unique passwords is critical. Kaspersky recommends a minimum of 12 characters, mixing upper and lower case, symbols, and numbers, and avoiding obvious choices like personal information. For ease, use a password manager to handle multiple credentials securely. This practice aligns with findings from Palo Alto Networks, emphasizing secure password practices in enterprises to prevent password-related attacks.
Start by changing the default passwords on your IoT devices to strong, unique ones with at least 12 characters, mixing upper and lower case, symbols, and numbers. This helps prevent hackers from easily guessing credentials, especially since many devices ship with weak defaults.
Software Updates
Outdated software is a common entry point for hackers, as seen in examples where unpatched devices were compromised. Fortinet and Kaspersky both stress the importance of applying updates immediately upon availability, either automatically or via the manufacturer’s website. For enterprises, Palo Alto Networks suggests establishing a recurrent patch management strategy, including downloading patches during setup and integrating virtual patching via intrusion prevention to avoid data loss.
Regularly update the software and firmware of your IoT devices by applying patches from the vendor’s website. This ensures protection against known vulnerabilities, which hackers often exploit.
Network Protection
Securing the network is pivotal, given IoT devices’ reliance on connectivity. Using WPA2 or later for Wi-Fi encryption, as recommended by Kaspersky, protects against brute force attacks, unlike older methods like WEP. Network segmentation, detailed by Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks, involves dividing the network into subsections using VLAN configurations and next-generation firewall policies. This isolates IoT devices from IT assets, making it harder for hackers to spread laterally, a strategy particularly vital for enterprises with complex networks.
Use WPA2 or later for Wi-Fi encryption to secure your network, as older methods like WEP are vulnerable to attacks. Additionally, segment your network to isolate IoT devices from other devices, reducing the risk of lateral attacks if one device is compromised.
Device Management
Reducing the attack surface involves disabling unused features, such as Bluetooth or voice activation, as suggested by Kaspersky. This minimizes potential vulnerabilities, especially for devices with multiple functions. Enabling MFA, where possible, adds an additional layer, requiring, for example, a one-time password sent to a phone or email, enhancing security against unauthorized access.
Enterprise-Specific Strategies
For businesses, visibility is key. Palo Alto Networks highlights the need for device discovery to maintain a detailed inventory, including manufacturer, model ID, serial number, and hardware/software versions. This enables risk profiling and behavior analysis for segmentation and firewall policy creation. Real-time monitoring, integrated with existing security postures, is essential, given traditional endpoint solutions often lack agent support for IoT devices. This is particularly relevant given the statistic that 30% of devices in organizations are unsecured, as per Palo Alto’s insights.
Additional Security Measures
Disable unused features like Bluetooth or voice activation to minimize potential entry points for hackers. If your devices support it, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for an extra layer of security. For businesses, consider real-time monitoring and maintaining a detailed inventory of connected devices for better visibility and control.
Beyond the core practices, consider the following:
- Encryption: Fortinet emphasizes encrypting data in motion using symmetric (single key) and asymmetric (public/private keys) methods, ensuring secure transfers. Protected data storage, with updated antivirus and monitoring tools, is crucial for sensitive data like financial or biometric information.
- Privacy Settings: Kaspersky advises reviewing and adjusting default privacy settings, understanding provider policies on data storage and use, to mitigate risks of data collection beyond necessity.
- Guest Networks: For home users, setting up a guest network with WPA2 or later, as per Kaspersky, enhances security by isolating visitor devices from the main network.
- Public Wi-Fi Caution: When managing IoT devices remotely, especially via mobile, use a VPN to mitigate risks on public Wi-Fi, a tip from Kaspersky for added protection.
Challenges of managing IoT devices
IoT devices often lack the compute, memory, or storage for robust security, making them reliant on network-level protections. The convergence of cyber and physical spaces, as noted by Fortinet, increases risks, with devices “phoning home” and collecting excess data. Emerging trends, such as Zero Trust and SASE architectures (from Nordlayer), reinforce defenses, particularly for businesses, aligning with NIST Cybersecurity Framework pillars. The 2020 Unit 42 IoT Threat Report by Palo Alto Networks, analyzing 1.2 million devices, provides further insights into susceptibility, highlighting the need for continuous adaptation.
Conclusion
Securing IoT devices from hackers requires a multi-layered approach, combining password security, regular updates, network protection, and device management. For enterprises, visibility and monitoring are critical, given the high proportion of unsecured devices. By implementing these practices, users can significantly reduce risks, protecting both personal and business environments from cyber threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can IoT devices be encrypted?
Yes, many modern IoT devices support encryption to protect sensitive data, but implementation varies by manufacturer and device type. Data transmitted between devices, apps, and cloud servers can be secured using protocols like TLS/SSL, HTTPS, or MQTT with TLS, preventing eavesdropping. Some devices also encrypt stored data (AES-256) to safeguard recordings, logs, or credentials.
However, cheaper or older IoT products may lack strong encryption due to hardware limitations or cost-cutting. To ensure security, always verify encryption standards before purchase, disable unsecured communication methods, and prioritize devices with regular firmware updates. While encryption is common in newer IoT tech, not all devices offer it by default—making careful selection essential.
Are IoT devices physically secure?
IoT devices often lack strong physical security, making them vulnerable to tampering, theft, or unauthorized access. Many low-cost sensors, cameras, and smart gadgets are housed in easily accessible casings, allowing hackers to extract data, insert malicious hardware, or bypass security controls if they gain physical access. Industrial and medical IoT devices may have better protection, but consumer-grade devices—like smart doorbells or Wi-Fi routers—are frequently left exposed in public or poorly secured locations.
To mitigate risks, disable unused ports, place devices in secure areas, and choose tamper-resistant models when possible. Physical security is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of IoT protection.
Are IoT devices a security risk?
Yes, IoT devices pose significant security risks due to widespread vulnerabilities like weak default passwords, unpatched firmware, and insecure communication protocols. Many lack built-in encryption, making them easy targets for hackers to hijack into botnets, spy on users, or breach home and corporate networks. Poor manufacturer security practices and infrequent updates further increase risks. Even seemingly harmless devices—like smart bulbs or thermostats—can become entry points for cyberattacks if not properly secured.
What is the top vulnerability of IoT devices?
The most critical vulnerability in IoT devices is weak or default credentials, making them easy targets for brute-force attacks. Many devices ship with predictable usernames and passwords (like “admin/admin”) that users fail to change, allowing hackers to hijack them effortlessly. Compromised devices can be weaponized into botnets (e.g., Mirai), used for data theft, or as gateways to infiltrate entire networks. Combined with lax firmware updates and unencrypted communications, default credentials remain the leading cause of IoT breaches. Mitigation requires enforcing strong, unique passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible.
Fun fact: In 2016, the Mirai botnet exploited default logins to take down major websites like Twitter and Netflix.
