{"id":90624,"date":"2024-03-05T15:45:58","date_gmt":"2024-03-05T10:15:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/techvidvan.com\/tutorials\/?p=90624"},"modified":"2024-03-05T15:45:58","modified_gmt":"2024-03-05T10:15:58","slug":"iot-devices-and-cybersecurity-threats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/techvidvan.com\/tutorials\/iot-devices-and-cybersecurity-threats\/","title":{"rendered":"IoT Devices and Cybersecurity Threats"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Internet of Things (IoT) has increased over the past few years. By 2030, over 25.44 billion IoT devices will be connected worldwide, outpacing non-IoT devices since 2020. Homeowners are adopting smart devices at a rapid rate, and it has also formed a crucial part of industrial automation.<\/p>\n

However, with this widespread adoption of IoT <\/a>devices comes inherent security risks. Cybercriminals can interfere with the processes and access valuable personal information through IoT devices.<\/p>\n

This article will take a closer look at five main cybersecurity threats to be aware of and how to protect yourself from cyberattacks.<\/p>\n

5 Cybersecurity Threats for IoT Devices<\/h3>\n

1. Ransomware<\/h4>\n

IoT devices are very vulnerable to data theft. This vulnerability can lead to cybersecurity threats like ransomware attacks.<\/p>\n

Ransomware attacks are when a hacker gains access to personal data and holds it \u201cransom\u201d until payment is made. This payment is often requested in the form of cryptocurrency.<\/p>\n

Ransomware attacks on IoT devices<\/a> usually don\u2019t involve holding onto information. Instead, it blocks the device\u2019s functionality. This attack can include stopping cameras from working or mics from recording. A ransomware attack might shut down an industrial device at a larger scale, halting business operations.<\/p>\n

2. Botnets<\/h4>\n

A botnet is a computer network controlled by one or a group of cyber attackers. It can include thousands of devices. These devices use bots to send malware to unsuspecting victims or perform DDoS attacks (more on that below).<\/p>\n

IoT devices are easily targeted by malware due to a lack of security measures in their operating systems.<\/p>\n

Installing malware on a single IoT device won\u2019t benefit a hacker much. However, they can use several IoT devices to form botnets, which they use to carry out attacks on other devices or systems in the network.<\/p>\n

3. Shadow IoT<\/h4>\n

Shadow IoT refers to IoT devices that are in use but have not been authorized. They could be personal devices (like a fitness tracker) or company equipment (like a wireless printer).<\/p>\n

These devices pose significant cybersecurity risks, primarily if used within an organization. If the devices are not configured to meet security standards, they could provide cybercriminals with undetected access to the company\u2019s network.<\/p>\n

4. DDoS attacks<\/h4>\n

Distributed Denial of Service, or DDoS, attacks happen when hackers access IoT devices to create botnets. These botnets then launch DDoS attacks, where a server is flooded with internet traffic. This attack prevents users from accessing specific targeted sites or services.<\/p>\n

While IT struggles to get a site back online, it becomes vulnerable to hacking.<\/p>\n

5. Poor authentication<\/h4>\n

Poor authentication on IoT devices\u2014like weak passwords\u2014makes these devices vulnerable to hacking. Cybercriminals can access smart home devices to create botnets, gather personal information, and disrupt functionality.<\/p>\n

Real-World IoT Attacks<\/h3>\n

Let\u2019s look at some real-world incidents where IoT devices were hacked and the consequences of these attacks.<\/p>\n

1. Mirai Botnet<\/h4>\n

This is the largest-ever DDoS attack launched on a service provider. In 2016, hackers used an IoT botnet to attack Dyn. This attack caused notable sites to go down, including CNN, Reddit, Twitter, and Netflix.<\/p>\n

The malware used was called Mirai. Once a computer was infected with Mirai, it searched online for IoT devices using default usernames and passwords and then infected them with malware.<\/p>\n

The devices included DVR players and cameras.<\/p>\n

Modern iterations of Mirai malware are still around, targeting IoT devices like routers, which shows their scary potential for DDoS attacks on a massive scale.<\/p>\n

2. Ring Security Breaches<\/h4>\n

Ring experienced a severe IoT security breach when hackers accessed several video users\u2019 doorbells.<\/p>\n

Cybercriminals used default usernames and passwords to access the live camera feeds and communicate through the devices. And that was just the beginning.<\/p>\n

ALPHV (an infamous hacking group) reported that they were able to breach Ring\u2019s data and hold it hostage until the company paid up. Ring, of course, denied these claims.<\/p>\n

3. The Jeep Cherokee Hack<\/h4>\n

In 2015, Jeep was involved in a hacking incident. Two security experts demonstrated how they could remotely access a Jeep Cherokee, stop the engine, and switch on the radio and windshield wipers.<\/p>\n

This resulted in a product recall of over a million Jeep Cherokees.<\/p>\n

How To Protect IoT Devices From Cyberattacks<\/h3>\n

Below are steps that can be taken to prevent IoT attacks:<\/p>\n