November 9, 2015

The term – Internet of Things (IoT) essentially refers to a uniquely identifiable network of physical objects, such as wearable gadgets, smart phones, TVs, electronic appliances, cars etc., that are rooted with software, sensors and internet connectivity. These devices are able to connect and share information without requiring a machine-to-machine or human-to-machine interaction. While they can be a game changer in terms of the way we live our daily lives, being in nascent stage, IoT devices are still quite vulnerable to hacking attacks.

Here are some of the security risks associated with Internet of Things:

  • Data Breach: With the lack timely updation of security software, IoT devices can be at risk for exposing sensitive information to cybercriminals that can be used for malicious purposes. Hackers can stalk the different devices in an IoT network and steal the data shared between them. Data breaches can be a serious threat to the virtual security of individuals and organizations that use such devices.
  • Botnets: These are a group of remote computers, smart appliances and network connected electronic gadgets working together to achieve an illegal goal. The bots are usually transferred to these devices through insecure internet ports or spam downloads. A malicious code is used to infect the IoT devices and exploit the software on which they operate.
  • Cross-Device Access: IoT devices generally connect to a computer system, Wi-Fi network or smartphone to operate. This provides an additional route hackers can take to gain access to the information stored on all systems connected with the IoT device. By installing a malicious program or code on an IoT device, the attacker can get hold of entire network and system files. It also makes users vulnerable to a man-in-the-middle attack where hackers can intercept or modify information shared between two IoT devices.
  • Dos Attacks: A Denial of Service (DoS) attack involves using the bandwidth, network resource, CPU time etc. of a malware infected computer. The hacker attempts to flood the infected computer network with a huge amount of traffic that causes its functioning to cease. With Internet of Things, the hackers are easily able to access a number of interconnected devices through a single path.
  • Ransomware: This is malware based attack that limits or restricts the user’s access to an infected device unless he pays a certain sum of ransom to the hacker. With the increasing use of interconnected IoT devices, the risk for ransomware attacks has also escalated manifold.

We, at Centex Technologies, provide complete cybersecurity solutions to the business firms in Central Texas. For more information, you can call at (972) 375 – 9654.