5 Lucrative Ways to Improve IoT Security in 2018

The IoT and IIoT sectors are growing at a rapid rate as connected devices are constantly released for home and office use. It has been predicted that the number of active wireless connected devices will exceed 40 billion by the year 2020. Despite this development, security remains a serious issue that must be addressed promptly. These devices offer comfort and assist users to carry out repetitive tasks hassle-free, but then, they create more avenue for criminals to target us.

Unfortunately, a lot of organizations and individuals are unaware of the dangers, leaving their network and devices completely unprotected. Hackers now take advantages of IoT vulnerabilities to infiltrate organizations and access data. This has led to several cases of a security breach and data theft.

Here are some of the best practices for IoT security.

1. Protect your network

It’s imperative to prevent any unauthorized person from gaining access to your data and network. Truth be told, this is the best time to start maximizing a free IoT scanner for your smart home if you can’t afford to pay for one. Wearables and other smart devices depend on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections to transfer data. One way to establish a secure connection when using them is to deactivate Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) on your devices and router.

2. Change default passwords

A great number of consumers don’t change the default passwords that come with their smart home devices. This creates a loophole for hackers to get hold of sensitive information. Opt for strong passwords that consist of characters, words, and numbers. Avoid using the same passwords for your devices. Adopting two-factor authentication is another approach to boost security.

3. Secure data

Smart devices like smart thermostats and wireless speakers are valuable sources of data. It’s crucial to analyze big data before it can be useful for anyone. Security starts with knowing who has access to the data generated by your IoT devices. In addition, you need to understand how it will be used now or later in the future. Be wary of granting any permission that can expose your data to outside parties.

4. Manage your devices

It goes without saying that smartphones, tablets or PCs are the control center for all IoT devices in most homes. They must be duly protected from cybercriminals and malware as data is being sent and received. Connecting your devices with public networks can increase the chances of compromising your home network security and communication.

5. Integrate the latest encryption protocol

Consumers are often encouraged to secure two-way communication with the right encryption protocol like HTTPS. Taking this step will provide optimum protection during the transfer of data. It doesn’t stop there, upgrade the firmware of your IoT devices as soon as new ones are available. You can sign up for automatic updates in order to make things easier once they are rolled out.

Cybercriminals are not relenting on their effort. They keep upgrading their tools and skills so they can perpetrate their unscrupulous acts. Even though most manufacturers usually make provisions for security at all stages, every consumer still need to be security conscious always.

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