10 Common IoT Hacks and How to Defend Against Them

The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionised the way we live and work, connecting devices and systems to the Internet and each other to create a more efficient and interconnected world.

However, as with any new technology, the IoT comes with its own set of security risks and vulnerabilities. In this blog, we will look at the 10 most common IoT hacks and how to defend against them:

The 10 Most Common IoT Hacks

IoT devices are becoming increasingly common in homes and businesses around the world. Unfortunately, as these devices become more ubiquitous, they also become more attractive targets for hackers.

So, let’s take a look at the different threats:

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks

A DDoS attack is an attempt to make a device or network unavailable to its legitimate users by flooding it with traffic or requests for information. Hijacked IoT devices can be used to overwhelm servers and cause downtime, which hackers can exploit to ransom businesses.

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

In a man-in-the-middle attack, a hacker intercepts communication between two devices or networks and impersonates one of the parties to gain access to confidential information. Man-in-the-middle attacks can lead to loss or theft of personal data and compromise a business’s reputation. Due to the large number of endpoints of IoT systems, man-in-the-middle attacks are unfortunately common.

Password Attacks

A password attack is an attempt to gain access to a device or network by guessing or brute forcing the password. It is vital to make sure you have chosen a secure and unique password, as passwords can be leaked, and data sold on the dark web. Making sure you use strong, unique passwords for all devices and applications can help reduce vulnerabilities.

Malware

Malware is software that is designed to damage or disable a device or network. IoT devices are particularly vulnerable to malware because they often have less security than traditional, such devices or computers. Making sure your devices are updated with the latest patches, as well as securing them with other measures helps to prevent malicious malware attacks.

Physical Attacks

Physical attacks on IoT devices are becoming more common as hackers realise that many of these devices are not well-secured against tampering. Physically attacking an IoT device can allow a hacker to bypass security measures on one device or multiple devices and gain access to sensitive data or control of the device itself.

Malicious Firmware Updates

These updates replace legitimate firmware with malicious code that can be used to take over the device or steal data stored on it. Due to the need to update IoT devices often, they can be exploited easily by malicious firmware update vulnerability.

Unsecured Wireless Connections

Wireless connections that are not properly secured can be exploited by attackers in order to gain access to the network or devices connected to it. Due to low security measures on IoT devices, and their need to be connected to the internet, hackers can exploit poorly secured devices.

Social Engineering Attacks

These attacks exploit human weakness rather than attack surface weaknesses in the IoT. In a social engineering attack, an individual or group will be targeted by a hacker posing as a legitimate entity. They will then attempt to exploit this by gaining access to details that will help them compromise the whole IoT system.

Phishing Attacks

Phishing is a type of online fraud that involves tricking someone into giving away their personal information, such as their login credentials or credit card number. Hackers can use phishing emails or fake websites to try to steal your information.

To protect yourself from phishing attacks, be suspicious of any email or website that asks for personal information, especially if it looks like it could be fake.

Eavesdropping Attacks

Finally, “eavesdropping” attacks are also becoming more common as IoT devices become more prevalent. These occur when an attacker listens in on communications between devices in order to gather sensitive information such as passwords or credit card numbers.

How to Defend Your IoT Devices Against Hacks

IoT hacks major attacks are becoming more and more common as the Internet of Things grows in popularity. While the convenience and connectivity of IoT devices is undeniable, it also opens a whole new world of potential threats.

Here are some tips on how to defend connected devices against IoT hacks:

First and foremost, make sure your devices are running the latest software updates. Hackers are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, so manufacturers are always working to patch them. By keeping your devices updated, you’ll be able to stay one step ahead of the hackers.

Next, enable two-factor authentication wherever possible. This will add an extra layer of security to your accounts and make it much harder for hackers to gain access.

Finally, be careful about what information you share online. Hackers can use IoT devices to collect data about you, so it’s important to only share what you’re comfortable with making public. Think carefully before sharing things like your address, birthday, or credit card number online.

Summary

IoT hacks are becoming more and more sophisticated, making it increasingly important to stay up to date on the latest methods of defence. Luckily, there are several steps that you can take to prevent yourself from being vulnerable to an IoT hack.

By following best practices such as using strong passwords, keeping your mobile devices always updated with the latest software, and monitoring your network for suspicious activity or malware you can protect yourself from any attack.

With these tips in mind, you can be confident that your connected device is secure and protected against any potential malicious attacks.