Securing Your IoT Devices On The Network

Connecting IoT devices to your home or business network can provide a lot of convenience and efficiency. However, it also introduces potential security risks that need to be addressed. Here is an in-depth guide on how to secure your IoT devices on the network:

Why IoT Security Matters

IoT devices like smart speakers, security cameras, smart locks, and more are essentially small computers. Like any other device on your network, they can be vulnerable to cyber attacks if not properly secured. Attacks on insecure IoT devices can lead to your entire network being compromised.

Some key risks include:

• Data theft: Many IoT devices collect and transmit sensitive information. This data could be stolen by hackers and misused.

• Surveillance: Cameras and microphones on compromised IoT devices can let hackers spy on your home or business.

• Denial-of-service: Your IoT devices could be used to overload websites and web services with traffic, taking them offline.

• Physical security threats: Hackers can manipulate IoT devices like smart locks to gain physical access to your premises.

Proper IoT security is crucial to mitigate these risks and protect your network and information.

Use Strong Passwords

One of the most basic IoT security steps is using strong passwords:

• Avoid default passwords – Change the factory-set default password on your IoT devices during setup. Default passwords are well known and easy for hackers to guess.

• Password length and complexity – Use passwords that are at least 8-10 characters long, contain a mix of letters, numbers and symbols. The longer and more complex, the better.

• Unique password – Each device should have its own distinct password. Don’t reuse the same password across multiple devices.

• Password manager – Use a password manager app to generate and store strong unique passwords for all your devices. This lets you use long, randomized passwords without having to remember them.

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) – Enable MFA if available, for an extra layer of security on top of passwords.

Keep Firmware Updated

• IoT device makers periodically release firmware updates to fix bugs and security vulnerabilities.

• Always accept recommended firmware updates promptly. Outdated firmware makes your device an easy target.

• Some IoT devices have auto-update options to install updates automatically. Enable this for convenience and to ensure you always have the latest firmware.

• If automatic updates are not available, check manually for updates on a regular basis.

Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Your IoT devices are only as secure as the Wi-Fi network they connect to. Here are some tips to secure your Wi-Fi:

• Strong Wi-Fi password – The password for your Wi-Fi network should also be long, randomized and unique.

• Latest router firmware – Keep the router’s firmware updated too. Newer versions have the latest security enhancements.

• WPA2 or WPA3 encryption – Use the strongest available Wi-Fi encryption protocol. Avoid outdated WEP and WPA encryption if possible.

• Hide SSID – Don’t broadcast your Wi-Fi network name (SSID). This makes it harder for hackers to find your network.

• MAC address filtering – Allow only approved devices with designated MAC addresses to join your Wi-Fi. This prevents unauthorized access.

• Guest network – If your Wi-Fi router offers it, enable a separate guest network for IoT devices. This isolates them from other devices on your main network.

Change Default Credentials

Many IoT devices have a web or mobile app that allows administrative access with a username and password.

• The default credentials are often preset and well known. Change these to a strong custom password.

• Also disable remote access to the device if not needed. Restrict it to your local home or business network only.

Disable Unneeded Features

• IoT devices may come with additional features and connectivity protocols enabled by default.

• Disable any feature or protocol you don’t need to prevent potential exposure.

• For example, a security camera may have Bluetooth enabled by default for setup. Bluetooth could allow unauthorized access if left on.

Isolate IoT Devices on a Separate Network

Placing your IoT devices on a physically or logically separated network segment enhances security:

• Physical network segmentation uses a separate router, switch, or wireless access point just for IoT devices. This fully isolates them from your primary network and other devices.

• Logical segmentation uses VLANs and firewall rules to isolate IoT devices within the same physical network.

• With network segmentation, if an IoT device gets compromised, the infection is limited just to the IoT network and cannot spread.

• The IoT network can also be placed behind a firewall or given restricted internet access to limit outside threats.

Monitor Traffic

You can employ network monitoring tools to detect suspicious or abnormal activity involving IoT devices:

• IDS/IPS systems can identify and block malicious network traffic.

• Network analytics can alert you of unusual traffic spikes that may indicate an infection.

• Packet capture lets you inspect IoT device traffic in detail for signs of compromise.

• IoT device logs may also show connection requests, firmware updates, or other events indicating attacks.

Apply IoT Device Patches

• IoT device vendors may release security patches to fix specific vulnerabilities, separate from general firmware updates.

• Always apply IoT device security patches promptly as they could be fixing active zero-day threats.

• You may need to check vendor sites periodically for patches if automatic updates are not available.

Conclusion

Securing the growing number of IoT devices on home and business networks requires vigilance. Implement these best practices – using strong unique passwords, updating firmware, securing your Wi-Fi network, disabling unneeded features and protocols, isolating IoT devices on their own network segment, monitoring traffic, and applying security patches as available. This helps identify and eliminate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Proactively monitoring and hardening your IoT devices is key to preventing them from being compromised and protecting your network.