Following are some of the security risks that revolve around IoT:
1. Privacy
IoT devices are vulnerable to hacking. Many IoT devices collect personal information and some of them send this personal information across the network without any encryption. This information can be easily traced and read by hackers. Cloud endpoints could also be used by hackers to attack servers.
2. Web interface
Simple default passwords pose a threat when it comes to the user web interface. The use of weak passwords on the web interface may enable hackers to easily identify accounts of users and misuse them.
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3. Rogue IoT Devices
Rogue IoT devices are just plain counterfeit malicious devices that are installed in secured networks without authorization. Some examples of rogue IoT devices are Raspberry Pi and WiFi Pineapple. A rogue device either replaces the original IoT device or appears as a member of a group to gather sensitive information. These devices break the network perimeter.
4. Insufficient testing & Lack of updates
The IoT market is fast-paced, which is why many companies or manufacturers are in a hurry to create and release their products and software without sufficiently testing them. Some of them also fail in providing timely software updates.
Compared to other devices like smartphones, IoT devices continue to be used without the necessary updates, which can enable hackers to steal sensitive information. Thus, sufficient testing and timely updates are critical for maintaining security on IoT devices. They should be updated right after new vulnerabilities are identified.
5. Lack of user Knowledge & Awareness
Since IoT is a new technology, people still do not know much about it. One of the biggest security threats related to IoT is the user’s lack of knowledge and awareness of the IoT functionality. This puts everybody at risk.
