Now, more than ever, consumers spend much of their time on the Internet. Every search, browsing, or access to social media, every image you post and status you update, you are sharing information about you with the world. We are surrounded by technology that interconnects. The internet of things (IoT) has brought new challenges. Follow these simple tips to connect with trust and navigate safely in the world of the Internet of Things.
Why should we care?
- Vehicles, appliances, lighting, fitness control, health, home security and more apps, they all contain detection devices that can communicate with another device and launch other actions. Examples include devices that direct your vehicle to a vacant parking space; mechanisms that control the use of energy in your home; and tools that monitor eating habits, rest, and exercise.
- New devices connected to the Internet provide us with a high level of convenience in our lives but require us to share more information than ever before.
- The security of this information and the security of these devices is not always guaranteed. Once your device connects to the Internet, you and your device may be potentially vulnerable to all kinds of risks.
- With more connected “things” entering our homes and workplaces daily, it is important that we all know how to protect our digital lives.
Simple tips
Shake your password protocol
| Change your device’s factory security settings from the default password. This is one of the most important steps to take in protecting IoT devices. According to NIST guidelines, you should consider using the longest allowed password or passphrase. Get creative and create a unique password for your IoT devices. |
Keep control of your apps
Many connected devices, toys and devices are supported by a mobile app. The mobile device can be full of apps running in the background or using standard permissions you never realized you had approved – gathering personal information without your knowledge while putting identity and privacy at risk. Check application permissions and learn to say “no” to privilege requests that don’t make sense. Download only applications from vendors and trusted sources.
Protect your network
Protect the WiFi network you use to connect devices to the Internet properly. Consider placing these devices on a separate, dedicated network.
When connecting to devices, protect yourself
Whether it’s your computer, smartphone, gaming device or other network devices, the best defense is to stay on top of everything, keeping security software, web browser and operating systems updated. If you have the option to turn on automatic updates to protect against the latest risks, turn it on.
