Weak Passwords And Hackers Cause IoT Risks

IoT Cybersecurity Risk and IoT Guidelines

In a world full of intelligent tech, we can often forget how low-hanging FRUIT such as weak IoT passwords and default creds / bad password management makes us all sitting ducks to an increasingly hostile cyber landscape. That’s why if companies, who rent firewalls and servers or routers, want to protect specific risks they have to know more about this threats. So, here we go to this interesting and equally important topic.

The Weak IoT Password Risk

Have you ever heard that a weak password on your IoT device is like leaving the door unlocked and hackers are free to come in? They are one of those little tools that typically fly under the radar, but like many other gadgets small and seemingly insignificant when it comes to computer security they can turn out to be quite a backdoor for cyber criminals wanting access on sensitive info.

Why is it so easy for them?

• Weak Passwords: This is a really obvious pitfall of IoT devices as most come with default credentials such as the user admin, and password like 123456. Conveniently, we often do nothing to change them.
• Inadequate Password Management: Users do not Change-Passwords frequently or use generic one (catalog-dictionary catalog-dictionary).
• Known Knowns / Default Credentials: Nearly everyone knows these, which makes devices more susceptible.

Hackers have an enormous attack surface with so many IoT devices out there. This is what makes protecting them, even more important.

Common Attack Methods

Where did these cybercriminals get access to?

• Brute force – automated tools try thousands of password combinations in the belief that sooner or later, they will find out. It is a weak-way password that has been seeding effortlessly through this technique.
• Credential Stuffing – Hackers utilize lists of stolen usernames and passwords from other breaches in order to access devices
• Known Vulnerabilities: Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in the software of IoT devices, and patch updates aren’t always applied on time.

IoT devices: Hackers find IoT easy to crack for many reasons so they prefer hacking the same. This puts not only devices at risk but entire networks.

Some Recommended Best Practices to Secure IoT Devices

So after painting a rather depressing picture, shall we start Devils advocating and look at what businesses can do to improve situation? Here’s what you can do:

• Use of Default Credentials: Change the default credentials associated with a new IoT device as soon it is installed.
• Use A Strong Password -> passwords should be at least 12 characters including numbers, letters and special symbols.
• Frequently Updated Passwords: Temporarily changing passwords can help to protect old credentials from being transformed.
• Do not use popular phrases: Try to create other entry keys like anniversaries, names etc.
• Use a Password Manager: They assist in generating and securing original passwords.

The solution does not need to be so complicated or expensive. Take small steps to increase and improve the security of your business landscape.

Improving Authentication Layers

Improving authentication layers other than password management is also very important. Here’s how:

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This provides another level of security as it forces verification at the second step.
• Biometric confirmation: Look for devices compatible with fingerprint or face scanning, gomovies123
• Device Firewall— Businesses which rent firewalls — have your own firewall protecting the IoT network from unauthorized access.

Improving authentication is like add a lock closer to certain door. It massively helps in preventing unauthorized access.

A Strong Business Strategy

When it comes protecting IoT devices, businesses can get ahead of the majority (if not all) cyber security threats. The best defense for these cases is strong authentication, password management and vigilance. Business is also critical for those in the area of firewalls, servers and routers on rent. It becomes a differentiation compared to other retailers that do not even sell you configured or secure smartphones.

It is important to remember, however that while IoT devices are small their vulnerabilities may have serious impacts. It starts with awareness, and ending the cycle of weak passwords takes action. Do it now, and make weak passwords a ghost of the past.

As a business that deals with network security equipment, investing in thorough default credentials and weak passwords management is more than money well spent to keep your assets protected.