Seven Quick Tips for Enhanced IoT Security

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the term for the network of devices with Internet-connectivity built-in. Due to this capability, these devices are able to exchange data with other IoT devices as well as the cloud. IoT technology has become more and more common in our everyday lives – from smart baby monitors, smart kitchen appliances, and smart home security systems to smartphones, smart watches, and tablets. There are many considerations when it comes to protecting these devices, you can help to protect yourself and your devices by following these quick IoT tips!

1. Choose devices built with safety in mind – Set yourself up for IoT safety success by doing your research ahead of making an IoT purchase. Certain manufacturers hone in on the security features of their devices when creating them and others do not focus on this as much. Ensuring your devices’ security capabilities match your own personal cybersecurity goals is essential to the decision making process.
2. Utilize strong, unique passwords – When you open the box and set up a new IoT device, it comes with default, factory settings. It is important to update the password for a new IoT device so that the same login is not used for your device as the one which is used for all of the other available models of this item. Ensure you have strong password hygiene by creating a unique, hard-to-guess password for each device.
3. Check device and app permissions – Some IoT devices connect to your phone via an app from the manufacturer. While this can help with using the device itself, it is important to check what exactly the app is accessing on your phone. If an application is asking for permission to access the phone’s microphone and camera and neither of those have anything to do with the functionality of the device or app, then be sure to turn those permissions off.
4. Update devices regularly – Manufacturers will come out with new updates for devices from time to time. Often, these updates come with cool new features that you can use once the new operating system version is downloaded. Many other times, the updates include security patches to identified vulnerabilities and downloading the new OS results in enhanced safety when using that IoT device going forward.
5. Secure your networks – Keep your home Wi-Fi network secure by implementing a strong password. Additionally, do not give out the password to this network or have it plastered on your walls for anyone to see. You can also check which devices are connected to your network and block any that are not familiar to you.
6. Make a separate Wi-FI network for IoT tech – Some families may find that setting up a separate Wi-Fi connection just for the IoT devices to connect to might be the right route for them. The FBI actually recommends doing so, as this helps to protect your primary devices, such as desktop or work laptop computers, and keep them safe in the event of a vulnerability from an IoT device.
7. Keep devices physically safe – Certain devices, such as smart thermometers or smart kitchen appliances, are always in the same spot; however, the nature of many other devices – like smart fitness trackers – is that they are transportable. Be sure to take an inventory of all of your IoT devices and store them in safe places when not in use. 

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