The Internet of Things (or IoT as it’s more commonly referred to) is taking the technology industry by storm and it’s not stopping there. It has been revolutionizing everything from manufacturing to personal devices. And with a growing number of connected devices controlling the world around us, inevitably we are learning to deal with an increased data security risk. Here are a few things you need to know about security and data protection in the great new world of the Internet of Things.
IoT Devices Are Always Listening
Unlike your computer, or even your mobile phone, IoT devices are always on, which means they are always vulnerable to attack. Many devices are always listening and always recording, meaning your data is constantly being prepared for consumption. Usually, it is you who benefits from that data collection, in terms of smart thermostats programming what time you like your temperature to go down at night, to knowing when you run out of milk and would be likely to order more from a grocery service. But when it comes to hacking IoT devices, that constant inflow of data is like the gift that keeps on giving to hackers. For example, in recent years European countries with CCTV cameras found themselves dealing with an alarming rate of attacks on credit cards because hackers were using CCTV and pattern recognition to capture images of ATM usage. The lesson to be learned: even if the devices seem innocuous, they are always listening and so too might be hackers who have wormed their way into the system.
New Technology Requires New Security
Those systems which might have been considered safe 5 years ago are likely no longer secure. Hackers are constantly coming up with new ways to access information unlawfully. That’s their job, and they are very good at it. With new technology, there are inevitable new vulnerabilities that hackers are only too happy to exploit. So keep in mind when you are incorporating new devices into your network, your legacy security system and protocols might not be enough to keep you secure. Often, the old system will even provide a tunnel for cyber criminals to access the new system.
IoT Device Security Is a Matter of Life or Death
If someone hacks your computer or steals your credit card information online, it’s most likely that you are familiar with the steps you need to take to fix the problem. Regaining security can be a costly and often frustrating process, but it happens and companies and individuals are sadly becoming more used to it. But in the world of IoT, device security can be a much more critical state of being. That’s because many IoT devices are used in the medical and energy fields. Hacking within these industries can literally cause a life or death situation. That’s why device security needs more attention and education from both a business and a consumer standpoint. Both lives and livelihoods may be on the line.
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