Managing Cybersecurity Risks for IoT-Connected Devices
While technology has proven to make our lives much easier with daily tasks, there are some concerns and risks you need to keep in mind as you bring in more devices to your home, utilize high-tech vehicles for your business, and pursue upgraded personal vehicles. Below are some of the most common risks that you need to watch for in these areas and stay ahead of cybersecurity risks associated with the Internet of Things.
IoT Cybersecurity Risks in the Home
There are some risks that develop in the home. Some garage door systems have the ability to be hacked and should be monitored regularly. It is easy to forget about this system since it has a long life span and new attacks could develop. With an average of 10,000 openings, the most common garage door systems last between six and 10 years. If your system is close to the end of this age range, it is time to practice good security and get an upgrade.
As more homeowners start to work from home, it is more important than ever to maintain the proper updates and computer security on VPNs. Most employers will provide secure logins and firewalls, but if your personal internet or personal hardware is not protected, there is a risk of sensitive data being under attack. Maintaining strong passwords, cloud security systems, and two-factor authentication are some of the best technology options to improve cybersecurity risks in a smart home.
With the growing demand of smart fridges, security systems, and even voice-command gadgets that connect to the internet, there is a larger potential for botnets to attack these devices and hack into the camera system and IoT network in general. Without a secure network on the property, these devices can be located via Bluetooth technology and then infiltrated to gather your account data. Even worse, they can access cameras and cell phones with apps that are associated with these devices and potentially spy on your family to learn routines and steal information.
Commercial Smart Vehicle Security Risks
There are some concerns to keep in mind with smart vehicles since they are mostly or fully electronic depending on the vehicle make. The computers in these smart cars have to be updated and maintained. If the IoT updates are not maintained regularly, the system could fail, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and other security functions in the car.
Another major concern with commercial smart vehicles is the amount of data that is stored in these vehicle CPUs. The data is sensitive and can include all the customer information, which can be a security risk if they are not protected from malware in the system. This is why driver credentials and login information are essential for these companies who decide to move into this avenue.
Many tow truck drivers across the country have started to recognize some of these concerns with these vehicles as they approach and have to get them to safety. With approximately 31,154 tow truck drivers in the U.S., according to Zippia, that calls for concern about potential security issues. The vehicles that may come under attack by technology are often stuck in place or barely pulled over enough.
Special Considerations for Self-Driving Cars
Self-driving cars not only pose a security threat but also one that can be fatal if they are not properly updated with the latest IoT technology to calculate distances, identify objects, and view the vehicles in their surrounding space. These cars are a long way from cruise control, which could sometimes miss objects on the road that could cause damage like busted windshields. In fact, the most common auto insurance claims collectively include windshield repairs and other glass damage, averaging around 30% of the claims that are filed. These minor accidents are still a problem for self-driving cars with compromised IoT connectivity. Protecting these vehicles with regular updates is essential. Additionally, automakers must include protective technology, including vulnerability scanners, third-party app reviews, and extended detection and response systems.
Moving Forward With IoT Technology
Although these risks can pose certain security and dangerous threats, they can be managed as long as you maintain your IoT-connected devices with updates and upgrades periodically. Also, make sure to always have a secure network at home and work and maintain strong passwords on all accounts.