Improve Your IoT Security With These 9 Easy Tips

Protecting your entire IoT system is a multifaceted effort requiring big, as well as small (but important) moves here and there to ensure systems, networks, devices, and data are all protected from outside threats. 
Below are a few security practices that can help you considerably to make your IoT network a safe haven.

1. Know what is connected

Before you start securing your IoT devices you need to pencil out the devices that are vulnerable to attacks. The average home has around five connected devices, excluding smartphones, tablets, and computers. 
Note your home-connected devices that include the likes of media players, game consoles, and anything including a microphone or camera - and check their access to sensitive information.

2. Do not connect your devices unless you need to

The first step is to consider what functionality you need from the device. Just because your TV or fridge can be connected to the Internet doesn't mean you should definitely hook it up. Take a look at the features it provides and learns exactly what the Internet connection brings to you before your connection.

3. Choose a good password and a separate password for each device

Choosing a strong password is very important, but you must make sure that you have chosen a different password for each device. If a hacker manages to get hold of one of your passwords, they'll usually try it with other services and devices. 
Re-using passwords is not a good idea. Use a password manager to keep track of all your passwords. LastPass can help.

4. Avoid using unsecured Internet connections

When you remotely examine your smart devices from your smartphone or tablet, do not use any Wi-Fi which is not password protected. Unsafe connections can expose your device to hackers. 
If you want to drastically increase the security of your personal network, you must make a habit of creating strong passwords for your own router and other Wi-Fi connections, making sure to update them regularly.

5. Protect your smartphone

If you lose your smartphone, any hacker can get hold to your sensitive personal data and other smart devices. Certain mobile security applications can help to back up your sensitive data to an online account, help in tracking the location of your device, and remotely erase your phone. 
A password or PIN on the device itself can also provide a second layer of defense.

6. Install a firewall

A firewall can help to thwart viruses, worms, and hackers from accessing your connected device via the Internet by checking the entry of unauthorized traffic. 
Certain systems come with a default firewall. It is sufficient for many users. For an extra level of protection, install a firewall that comes with more security functions meeting your needs, or configure a hardware firewall that offers greater network security.

7. Turn off Universal Plug and Play (UPNP)

Sadly, UPNP can attack printers, routers, cameras, and plenty of other devices. It is designed to make network devices easier without configuration, helping them discover each other automatically. The only catch is that due to the vulnerability in the UPNP protocol, hackers can potentially discover them outside your local network. It is best to shut down UPNP completely.

8. Beware of cloud services

Many IoT devices rely on cloud services, but the need for an internet connection to do any work can be a real problem. Not only will it work when the network is down, but it can also sync sensitive data or offer another possible route to your home. Make sure you've read the provider's privacy policy and are reassuring you about encryption and data protection.

9. Make sure you have the latest firmware

If you want to ensure the latest security patches and reduce the likelihood of a successful attack, then your firmware needs to be fully updated. 

So that more or less sums things up. We hope you had a great read.