Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., a provider of cybersecurity solutions worldwide, pointed out that the capabilities of cybercriminals depicted in some movies or television series, such as Mr Robot, are not limited exclusively to fiction, but could happen in reality.
As more smart devices are utilised in homes, cybercriminals are starting to turn away from attacking specific IoT device networks in favour of the applications that control them, which gives them more chances to disrupt users’ lives and gain access to their private information.
In just a few decades, IoT data has grown exponentially, and the numbers are set to continue to rise. In 2021, there were more than 10 billion IoT devices worldwide, a number that IDC estimates will reach a global data generation of more than 73 zettabytes (or 73 trillion gigabytes) by 2025.
Ram Narayanan, Country Manager at Check Point Software Technologies, Middle East said “Modern technology is playing an increasingly important role in our lives, so we have digital wallets on our mobile phones, for example, and we use tablets for work stuff instead of computers. This makes our devices full of sensitive personal and work-related personal and financial information and is therefore a very tempting target for hackers. And IoT devices bring additional risks. With smart toys, cybercriminals could eavesdrop on your children, webcams could be used to record you while you change clothes, and voice assistants could spy on your home.”
He added “Cybercriminals are laying traps and trying to take advantage of every opportunity, targeting newcomers with various Christmas scams. It is therefore important to secure everything properly right out of the box. And if your child gets a new device, make sure you carefully educate them about the benefits and risks and help them secure the device, understand what threats lurk online and how to respond in the event of an attack. Also talk to your children about the different parental control options, which are not meant to spy on them, but to encourage dialogue about threats and set clear boundaries.”
It is now more crucial than ever for IoT manufacturers to put their attention on safeguarding smart devices from assaults by incorporating robust security into both the software and the device’s architecture. Users must be conscious of security and privacy issues when using their gadgets, though.
To make sure your data doesn’t end up on the darknet and in the hands of cybercriminals, and also that your device isn’t used for hacking as part of a botnet, cybersecurity company Check Point Software Technologies has prepared some basic steps to help protect you:
1. Lock your device: Always lock each device with a password, pattern, or perhaps a fingerprint or facial recognition. If you lose or leave your device unattended, no one can get into it.
2. Turn on remote search: The majority of smartphones have a remote location option that lets you track down your device if it is stolen or lost. You can also remotely lock and delete your device to prevent unauthorised access to your data.
3. Backups of your data should be made so that you can restore your data in case you have ever had a ransomware attack.
4. Change your default passwords: You always need to change the default passwords that are set on your device. Why? Default passwords are often public knowledge and help with product support. Additionally, IoT devices such as smart cameras, thermostats, baby monitors, or routers are rewarding targets for hackers, and devices with default passwords can easily be found and exploited online. And you certainly don’t want anyone connecting to your home. Such devices can then also become part of a botnet, such as Mirai, and be used to launch cyber attacks around the world.
– Use secure passwords that are simple to remember. It is advised that we always have as many barriers active as possible, using special passwords made up of uppercase and lowercase letters, a variety of special characters, and digits, just like we would with any other networked device.
Simple passwords can still be secure. Simply choose a password that is difficult for others to guess but simple for you to remember. Various password managers can also be useful.
5. Never share your login details or use the same passwords: Most people use the same usernames and passwords for different accounts, making them a common target for phishing scams. This is because stealing one password can allow several services to be compromised. Phishing emails and messages mimic well-known brands, for example, posing as customer support specialists or even your employer. Never share your login details via email or text messages. Always visit the service directly.
6. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to minimize the threat of a potential attack: When you log into your account from a new device, multi-factor authentication, an insurance policy that ensures no one else can access these services, will be required. If someone does try to log into your accounts, you will be alerted immediately.
7. Don’t delay updates: Always use the latest versions of software on your mobile phone and computer. New versions have bugs fixed and vulnerabilities patched. Using outdated software can allow hackers to get access to your personal information.
8. Check your privacy settings: Smart devices, such as fitness bracelets, smart home devices or even smart toys, drones and voice assistants, collect all sorts of information about you. Always carefully review what privacy settings they have and make sure you’re not sharing too much. Turn off any features you don’t need or use.
9. Don’t download apps from unofficial sources and stores: Even the official ones are occasionally infiltrated by malware, so it’s essential to use a security solution that can proactively find and stop threats before they can do any damage.
10. Remove unnecessary apps: Numerous apps come pre-installed on many devices. App flaws might make it simple for hackers to launch an attack. Therefore, removing programmes that you don’t use or desire lowers your risk of assault. Additionally, some apps could ask you for private information that they can use against you, so exercise caution and only use programmes you know and trust.
11. Turn off automatic Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connections: By default, your smartphone may automatically connect to an available Wi-Fi network or Bluetooth device, which hackers may try to exploit to gain access to your device. So make sure this feature is turned off. While free Wi-Fi is an attraction, it can also be a serious security threat. We often see hackers in airports or coffee shops waiting for someone to log on to a public Wi-Fi network so they can pounce on unsuspecting users. If possible, avoid unsecured Wi-Fi networks altogether. And if you do have to use them, at least don’t connect to personal accounts or sensitive data.
12. Understanding hacker strategies and the dangers of cyberattacks is a crucial first step in self-defence. However, due to the sophistication of today’s frauds and threats, many people undoubtedly aren’t aware of them. Therefore, using cutting-edge security programmes and anti-ransomware is equally crucial. Secure your mobile devices as well because they contain a lot of information and, if an attack is successful, you run the danger of putting everyone you know at risk. For instance, Check Point Harmony Mobile offers real-time security from even the most cutting-edge threats and shields enterprise mobile devices from intrusions. Private mobile devices are shielded from ransomware, data and login theft, and risky Wi-Fi networks by ZoneAlarm Mobile Security.
