Hacking taking over IoT

Walking around having smart devices all around you now have the ability to convey data over the internet without any human-human or human-computer interaction. The world is adapting the concept of Internet of things (IoT) and as this concept starts to grow, the threat of its security starts to rise along with it. Any device connected with the internet provides access to the hacker to hack the device easily. Thus comes the security threat along with it. 

IoT has increased the connectivity of the internet with not only regular used devices like desktops, smartphones, laptops, and smartwatches. But with the increase in the demand for these devices, the industry has expanded itself and created more gadgets that use internet connectivity and ease the functioning of humans. Smart TVs, lighting, homes, security are some of the examples of the amplified field in IoT.

IoT Hacking is a newer concept as it has risen with the rise in the development of these gadgets. The expansion of data connectivities starts to increase the concern towards IoT security and IoT privacy. One most scandalous case of IoT attacks was Mirai, a botnet that was affected by malware and did things without the knowledge of the owner. It was responsible to take down many websites for a while. IoT devices that protected the sites was inappropriately secured thus hacker gained access to the sites. 

How can you prevent the devices from being hacked?

• Physical tampering- The devices that have an unsecured open end and are exposed to an external connection can make the device expose to getting hacked. Preventing form physical tempering can be done by making sure the device has no external connecting ports and only authorized people can get access to.
• Cybersecurity attacks- Internet connections can help hackers to gain access to your device’s system and could steal personal information. The IoT Technology Stack can help the person to evaluate the risks and vulnerabilities. 
• Data encryptions- The devices not encrypted properly can lead to the transmission of data. This happens because of the poor implementation of  SSL/TLS. To prevent the data from getting hacked one can use SSL/TLS or devices with better encryptions.
• Autonomous systems- These systems are easily targeted by hackers. Just to get off this mess the systems software should be complex so that it can’t be easily hacked. It would be more difficult to decode complex software protection.

IoT devices will grow in the future so there should be more privacy and security for such devices. Hacking has become an easier job over time. The aim is to make the data and information security.  

Pratyaksha Dhall

BW Reporters An aspiring journalist who loves to gain knowledge about technological advancements and loves to write about well being and events that people can relate to.