It’s no secret that IoT devices have caused some issues with security in the past. They’ve been used by cybercriminals to topple networks and hack into homes. Oh, and now breach casinos. You heard correctly – a vulnerable IoT thermometer, which was being used to monitor the water of an aquarium in a casino’s lobby, actually opened up the organization’s network to cyberattack.
So, how exactly did a singular IoT thermometer breach an entire organization? The vulnerable device created an opening into the casino’s network for cybercriminals to enter, resulting in the crooks obtaining information about the casino’s high-roller database. Unfortunately, it has yet to be determined what kind of information has been taken from this database.
This incident reminds us that IoT security continues to be a persistent problem that’s showing no signs of slowing. As discussed during our EMEA McAfee Labs Day event last week, new connected devices are coming online every day, so it’s important to think about how you protect your data now and in the future. That starts with manufacturers including security as part of their design of IoT devices and owners of connected gadgets doing their part in ensuring their devices don’t expose larger networks of any kind. You can start implementing proactive IoT security by following these tips:
- Keep security top of mind when buying an IoT device. When you’re thinking of making your next IoT purchase, make sure to do your research first. Start by looking up the device in question’s security standards. A simple Google search on the product, as well as the manufacturer, will often do the trick.
- Change default passwords and do an update right away.If you purchase a connected device, be sure to first and foremost change the default password. Default manufacturer passwords are rather easy for criminals to crack. Also, your device’s software will need to be updated at some point. In a lot of cases, devices will have updates waiting from them as soon as they’re taken out of the box. The first time you power up your device, you should check to see if there are any updates or patches from the manufacturer.
- Secure your home’s internet at the source. Just like the thermometer must connect to the casino’s larger internet network, smart home devices must connect to a home Wi-Fi network in order to run. If they’re vulnerable, they could expose your network as a result. Since it can be challenging to lock down all the IoT devices in a home, utilize a solution like McAfee Secure Home Platform to provide protection at the router-level.
And, of course, to stay on top of the latest consumer and mobile security threats, be sure to follow me and @McAfee_Home on Twitter, listen to our podcast Hackable? and ‘Like’ us on Facebook.