Our devices are connected to the world, including laptops, mobile phones, fitness trackers, smart televisions, home security systems, thermostats and refrigerators. And, routers, access points and modems connect everything together.
Connected devices can be a security threat. One of the issues with such devices is that many of them do not come configured with security in mind and connecting an unsecure device to your network is like leaving the back door to your house unlocked as it gives attackers access to your personal information.
Manufacturers develop products to be more accessible, more user-friendly, and to make our lives more integrated. However, that can also mean we are less secure, if these devices are not properly configured. Unfortunately, some devices completely lack the option or ability to configure them, making it nearly impossible to secure them. Unsecure devices also give threat actors the means to propagate their attacks onto others by using your unsecure devices to attack other networks and devices. Not only can your unsecure devices present a risk to you, they also can become a risk to others who can be victims of an attack from your compromised devices.
Do your Research
Do your research before purchasing a connected device, especially a device that may allow someone access into your home, such as a surveillance camera or home security system. Check the online reviews and look at the company’s website to determine if there are warnings about the security of the device and if the company issues updates and patches to fix security concerns.
What Can you Do to Secure your Devices?
When you first purchase a device, check the default settings and choose the most secure options, such as enabling a password or changing the default password to something only you know.
Here are basic recommendations to make your connected devices more secure.
- Network or Internet access may be enabled on a device by default. Disable access for devices that do not need it.
- Update the device operating system or firmware. The default operating software installed on a device may be out of date and/or contain vulnerabilities. Updating or patching your device’s software will reduce the chances of a successful attack.
- Wireless access points (APs) are oftentimes configured to broadcast the SSID, or network name. Consider changing these settings to turn this feature off, which can better secure your Wi-Fi network.
- Create two different Wi-Fi networks on your wireless router, if your router supports it. Creating separate Wi-Fi networks, using different SSIDs, allows for the ability to separate smart devices from other networked computers, smart phones and tablets. The goal of the separation is to limit the impact a compromised smart home device will have on the rest of the devices on the network.
- Oftentimes, Wireless access points or routers are set up by default not to use encryption and not to require a password. It is always recommended to turn on WPA2 encryption for your wireless networks, and to establish a strong password with the next recommendation in mind.
- Change passwords on all network devices, especially from default “admin” accounts, and use strong passwords of at least eight characters including UPPERCASE and lowercase letters, special characters and numbers.
- Many mobile devices have no PIN or unlock pattern (where you swipe your finger in a specific pattern on the screen) enabled when sold. Enable PINs or unlock patterns for all your mobile devices to secure them from unwanted entry by others.
- Automatic updates are often disabled by default. Turn on this setting to ensure your device receives important security updates when they are released.
- Many mobile devices support remotely wiping the device, if the device is lost or stolen. Enable the remote wipe functionality in case the device is lost or stolen.
- Turn off location services, if not needed.
- Cameras and audio input may be enabled by default on certain devices and applications, giving an attacker access to surveillance. Disable these features, if not needed.
- Replace unsecure devices with more secure ones.
*Information from the MS-ISAC monthly Security Tips Newsletter