With the Internet and the number of apps available to make our lives easier, most of us have become very attached to our smart devices. But are we doing our best to protect ourselves from cybercriminals?
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As people are using more smart devices and their homes are becoming more tech savvy, cybercriminals are looking for ways to take advantage of unsuspecting users. So instead of making life easier for their owners, smart, connected devices are increasingly becoming a weak link in their overall security measures.
A recent survey* commissioned by global cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab shows that of 266 respondents, 32% own a Smart TV, 11% own Internet-connected home appliances (such as electric kettles, coffee makers and refrigerators) and 10% own Internet-connected cameras. In many cases, the Smart TV forms the central entertainment device of the home, allowing families to relax and watch series, sport or a movie together over the weekend.
Internet-connected appliances, such as refrigerators that monitor food content and grocery lists, can assist in making life more convenient. Internet-connected camera devices, like that of a baby monitor or home-security system, are considered quite essential when living in high-crime regions. These devices are used by many families for safety and security purposes.
However helpful these devices may be, they can also pose a cybersecurity threat to your household. This is due to possible vulnerabilities in their software, a lack of elementary security measures (such as strong default administrator passwords) and encryption of Internet connection.
The same survey shows that 66% of respondents show a high concern for the physical security of their families, yet only 38% expressed high concern for the security and protection of such Internet-connected devices from viruses or hacking, and 28% are not concerned at all.
While the ‘connected home’ can certainly make your life easier, it’s important to remember that connected devices in the home can be vulnerable to dangers.
Here are 4 tips from Kaspersky Lab to secure your connected home:
1. Create strong passwords for all connected devices
Create strong, unique passwords for all connected devices. A strong password should contain a combination of upper- and lower-case alphabetic letters and numbers, should be at least 15 characters long and shouldn’t include easy-to-guess words. Always change default passwords on any device purchased – 30% of respondents to Kaspersky Lab’s survey indicated that they do not change this default password, which can open their connected home up to infection. You should also change the password if ever you suspect the device may have been compromised.
2. Do research before buying any connected device
Before buying any connected device, search the Internet for news of any vulnerabilities within that device (especially for home-security systems, baby monitors and Smart TVs). Also, check with the vendor to see if they provide updates for the device, to fix any future vulnerabilities that might be discovered.
3. Consider the security risks of the device
When choosing connected devices for a more convenient lifestyle, consider their security risks. If your home is the place where many items of material value are stored, install a professional alarm system. If you have an existing app-controlled home-alarm system, you can set up the existing system in such a way that any potential vulnerabilities won’t affect its operation.
4. Choose the simplest RF model if your device collects personal information
When choosing a device that will collect personal information about your family, such as a baby monitor, ask yourself if you really need it to be connected to the Internet. If it’s possible to disable this functionality, and you don’t need it, then switch it off. For example, it may be wise to choose the simplest RF-model TV on the market, one that is only capable of transmitting an audio signal without internet connectivity.
* Kaspersky Lab worked with Associated Media Publishing to run an online survey asking questions related to the connected home and the security of connected devices.
For more information about Kaspersky Lab, visit www.kaspersky.co.za.
Follow @Kaspersky on Facebook and @KasperskyAfrica on Twitter, and use them as your #DigitalLifeAdvisor.
Cover photo: iStock/AleksandarNakic
