Smart Device Security: The IoT Has Opened New Doors to Hackers

Many of us marvel at the ingenuity and convenience of smart devices. The possibilities for automating tasks continue to grow exponentially. As a result, the market for smart devices of all kinds including, security systems, home appliances, thermostats, cars and many other amazing feats of technological achievement, continues to grow. Also, many of the devices are connected to the internet. Those connected smart devices are now part of what is commonly called the “Internet of Things (IoT).” The term is used to describe the vast array of new endpoint “things” being added to networks every day. Any smart device connected to the internet is part of the world of IoT. There are billions of such connected devices worldwide, thus vastly expanding the target landscape for cyberattacks.

IoT for Business

Cybercriminals never stop looking for new ways to breach private data and IoT has created countless new endpoints, all vulnerable to hacks. Therefore, IoT network security has never been more critical.

SMBs are using all kinds of connected devices, sensors and software to operate their businesses. They use them for many things, including inventory management, quality control, payroll and customer service data and they often help companies operate more efficiently. But these IoT innovations come at a price. Mobile device management is no longer confined to cell phones and tablets. There are new vulnerabilities presented by smart devices and small to midsized businesses must address them:

IoT Network Security – Every time a smart device stores, shares, or receives data, your business network presents potentially dangerous security vulnerabilities to cybercriminals.
More Difficult to Monitor – Smart devices are more challenging to monitor than computers or cell phones. In addition, the more IoT devices we add to a network, the more cumbersome the network will be to maintain and monitor.
Weak Factory Default Passwords – Many users do not create unique and strong passwords for their smart devices. By using the factory default password, you are likely to be using one that hackers will more readily attack.
Software Allowing Device Communication – Application program interfaces (AIPs) are intermediary programs used to allow two applications to communicate with each other. SMBs must do due diligence to understand the IoT device security protocols required for each device. Otherwise, the device connection could open a new access point for a cyberattack.
Lack of Physical Contact With Devices – Smart devices often function in isolation with no one physically near them. Without physical contact, the device status is less visible. The reduced visibility and lack of physical proximity make it more difficult to detect and address threats.
Hackers Have New Automated AI Tools – Unfortunately for all of us, cybercriminals stay in step with their own use of new technology. Also, hackers now have their own AI-based tools to make their attacks more efficient and potentially more lethal. Although AI attacks have existed for over a decade, the increased automation has made it harder to defend against such attacks.

Secure connection of smart devices is no simple matter. Even savvy power users rarely have the expertise required to analyze IoT vulnerabilities and the ones that do, probably do not know the best methods for addressing them. Hackers count on SMBs not taking smart device security as seriously as they should. SMBs need IT experts to work with them to analyze their cyber vulnerabilities and place appropriate protections in place.

IT Consulting and Maintenance

IT Maintenance has become a 24/7 operation for most small to midsized businesses. Computers and all networked devices, including IoT devices, must be regularly monitored and maintained. Up-to-date system and software updates, established security protocols and defenses must also be in place.

With the expanded use of remote and work-from-home employees and a plethora of new smart devices, having a team of IT experts to support your systems is essential for the smooth operation of your business. An IT support team can train your staff, update your software, inspect and monitor your hardware and provide iron-clad cyber security for all your devices and networks.

GEEK-AID^® Computer and Network Support specializes in customized Managed IT Services for small to midsized businesses, including several IoT security solutions. GEEK-AID^®'s team of experts is comprised of top specialists in different areas of IT services, serving clients onsite and remotely for Macs, PCs and all your connected devices. When your system is down, they will perform onsite computer repairs. And the GEEK-AID^® team doesn't clock out at five o'clock on Friday. They are available to you 24/7, remotely or in person, to ensure your computers, network and data stay healthy and secure. As your business grows, expands its network and adds more devices such as smart controls, smart devices, wireless access and remote access, your network's cybercrime vulnerability and need for cyber security will grow, too. In addition to maintaining the hardware, software and security, employee training and regular IT support must be ongoing. New users and new devices will require additional training to use those devices efficiently. Hardware and software installation and maintenance, repair, cyber security and network protection are all related and must be consistent and proactive.

Call (877) GEEK-AID (877-433-5243) to help you maintain and secure all the devices on your network and assist you in safely adding smart devices.