Considering we now live in the age of the Internet, there is no choice but to recognise that mastering technology is mandatory these days. Nearly every aspect, from work to home, leisure to home security—cyber security is as important as making sure your car’s locked up at night. That being said, have you heard of IoT (Internet of things)?
IoT (“Internet of things”) sounds like a buzzword. It is, but with good reason. As our lives get more enmeshed with the newest gadgets, we must recognise that with the benefits—say, controlling your home’s heating system from your smartphone while on vacation—come to a greater responsibility of avoiding the Internet’s dark side. How can we avoid being vulnerable to things like identity theft, hacking, or malicious vandalism? The Internet of things not only shows promise but also a great responsibility.
In other words, it’s a mindset -. A mindset about the hidden dangers of IoT. Specifically, what are the hidden dangers of IoT (Internet of things)?
- Devices
- Smart Appliances
- Accessing Networks
- Small Business
In this article, we’ll be looking at an overview of those dangers to help develop a mindset of cyber security.
Devices
Live in the 21s century? Then chances are you’ve probably got a smartphone or an iPad within arm’s reach. Laptops, wireless printers, and scanners–anything that can access the Internet has a chance of becoming a cyber-security target in the Internet of Things.
Even something as relatively innocuous as a wireless mouse or keyboard can leave you susceptible to hackers. Peripherals pose just as much a risk as devices that you use to access your personal data. If you’re still not convinced, consider how a digital key logger could record your emails and passwords?
As a rule of thumb, considering weighing the merits and online reviews of every device you interface with. Trusting in manufacturers may not be enough. It’s useful to see what others are saying out there. Staying abreast of security and software updates, whether you are a Mac or PC (or Linux) user, can help you stay on top of hackers who take advantage of out-of-date cyber security.
Smart Appliances
Just when you thought your refrigerator couldn’t get more convenient, manufacturers have been integrating the newest technology to manage your groceries, and “entertain guests like you’ve never before.” So-called “smart appliances” may make a better ice cube, but these wi-fi enabled devices can be a target for criminals. After all, who would suspect an IoT (Internet of things)-based attack from where you keep your leftovers?
Home security devices, like cameras and nanny cams, are equally hackable—as ironic as it sounds. The same goes for your smart home stereos, door bells, and automated lights. Anything that can be controlled via the Internet, Bluetooth, the cloud, and so forth is fair game to malicious activity. While a number of our household appliances become “smarter,” don’t expect these devices to not be dumb when it comes to cyber security.
Accessing Networks
Any time you access a new network, you are potentially crossing your fingers that those in charge of cyber security are actually doing their best to protect their users. Here’s are a few ideas to keep in mind:
- Can you vouch for the quality of free wi-fi? High-volume cafés and restaurants (i.e. Starbucks, McDonald’s) that have public networks for their patrons (password-protected or otherwise) can be used as targets, especially as criminals wait for you to let your guard down. Free wi-fi might cost you!
- Don’t forget how your devices at school, libraries, or university—any public wi-fi network with many users may make you vulnerable. This goes for students in dorms and those that live off-campus. Students and staff can equally be victimised, especially if hackers pose as university-related authority figures, fellow students, or colleagues. A simple email attachment from a supposedly valid source can compromise your life.
- As an adult, you may already be well-versed in cyber security. But can you say the same about your children, elderly, or un-computer-literate people you live and work with? It is up to you to educate yourself and your family about the ways they might be exposed to their own IoT (Internet of things) dangers.
Small Business
Entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals should be careful when it comes to the IoT (Internet of things). Whether you’re dealing with clients or subcontractors, every exchange with the outside world has at least some form of chance. This is especially if you use freelance websites like Fiverr and Upwork, where potential clients and freelancers may just be looking to find out what devices and operating systems you use in your business. You might not see them face to face, but they may important knowledge about your workflow. Even an email exchange, indicating that you sent a message from your iPhone or Android phone, says more than you’d like it to…
Care to make some income on the side? Even listings on Gumtree can leave you vulnerable. Sending emails with strangers could lead you to cyber security when all you were looking for was a new dresser! It may be helpful to use email security strategies, like SPAM filtering, to protect yourself. However, you should realise how interacting with strangers online can put you at further risk for people looking to phish for your data.
If worrying about how the hidden dangers of IoT (Internet of things) may give you a headache, you’re not alone. Considering all of the hidden dangers of IoT is quite an undertaking (…and beyond the scope of this article). While you may want to anticipate all of the dangers and develop a quasi-paranoid mindset, you may want to rely on the expertise of IT Support Services. After all, the Internet of Things is a double-edged sword with a bleeding-edge tech… How can you be sure that SPAM filtering and your email security is actually secure? How about your child’s iPad they use for school work? Trusting in IT Support London can ease your mind so you can concentrate on living comfortably in this brave new world of the Internet: The Internet of Things.