Internet of things (IoT) has been defined as a global infrastructure for the information society,
What is Internet of Things?
Internet of things (IoT) has been defined as a global infrastructure for the information society, enabling advanced services by interconnecting (physical and virtual) devices and equipment based on the Internet. All devices can communicate with each other anytime, anywhere over the Internet.
The wide application of IoT includes smart healthcare, smart home, smart living, environmental monitoring, energy management, intelligent transport system and etc.
In our daily lives, IoT devices include everything from routers, smart TVs, smart light bulbs, webcams, smart door locks, smart air-conditioners to our personal devices including laptops, smart phones, smart watches and handheld game consoles.
These smart devices collect data from the environment around them, such as location, time, temperature, brightness, humidity, heart rate or appearance. They are connected to the Internet through telecommunications network (e.g. 4G or 5G mobile network) and by intelligent processing and analysis of big data, they can perform their smart functions on devices and appliances.
Risk of Using IoT
Let’s imagine:
If a hacker intrudes into your smart home devices and learns through IP cameras that you are out for work, and clandestinely unlocks your digital door lock, your home will then be exposed to the risk of burglaries.
If a hacker intrudes into an electric vehicle with automatic navigation connected to the Internet and interferes its driving automation, it may cause serious consequences.
These are not fictional plots. With the launching of new IoT devices, an abundance of user information and database have become a target for hackers. Also, many IoT devices do not have any security setting or security system in place when manufactured. If users use the default passwords or enable unnecessary functions (such as File Transfer Protocol, Remote Desktop Services, etc.), such devices will be vulnerable to cyberattacks.
In addition, hackers may install malware to control IoT devices, which will become a member of the Botnet and initiate cyberattacks to other computers.
Security tips on IoT
- Before use for the first time, change the default password to a strong one. It is more secure to adopt multi-factor authentication if available.
- Disable unnecessary functions, such as FTP, TELNET, etc.
- Enable activity records and check from time to time if there is any suspicious activity.
- Enable firewall and network monitoring if possible, and update firmware regularly.
- Use encrypted transmission when controlling IoT devices remotely.
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