Every device connected to the internet has potential security issues, and your IoT gadgets are on top of that list.
They’re popular and easy to hack – the perfect conditions for cybercriminals to strike. Read on to learn the most common IoT security issues and how to mitigate them.
IoT Malware Types
Malware is an umbrella term that encompasses any malicious software. Depending on the malware, it can replicate, block operations, steal data, or mine crypto in the background. And most malware types can affect your IoT devices.
Here are the most common malware types:
- Virus: A piece of malicious code designed to replicate itself. It spreads through files, applications, or other devices over a network.
- Trojan Horse: Malware disguised as a regular app. Unlike viruses, it doesn’t spread. Mostly, Trojan horse malware steals passwords and files.
- Worm: Similar to viruses. Instead of spreading from applications or files, worms replicate through networks.
- Ransomware: Locks your device, files, and applications. Hackers use ransomware to demand money in exchange for unlocking your files. If not, they threaten to delete, sell, or expose data.
- Botnets: Malware that infects your device and uses it to perform DDoS or other attacks.
- Spyware: Like the name suggests, spyware spies on your keystrokes, programs, and websites. Cybercriminals use it to steal login info.
- Killware: Malware designed to threaten or cause physical harm, damage, or death. Killware attacks on IoT devices can spread poison in drinkable water, cut power to hospitals, or worse unless a ransom is paid.
- Rootkits: Malicious code that allows cybercriminals complete admin access to devices. They’re difficult to detect and get rid of.
How Does Malware Get On IoT Devices?
Hackers use loads of ways to target unsuspecting victims. They create socially engineered attacks to target individuals or use spray-and-pray methods through phishing. Here are some examples:
- Downloading free or pirated software, games, and movies online.
- Downloading files from people you don’t know.
- Browsing and interacting with malicious websites.
- Opening fake error messages and pop-up windows filled with malware.
- Leaving your IoT device unprotected.
- Inserting personal data into mirrored sites.
What Are The Most Popular IoT Exploits?
People are always scared of losing money when it comes to hackers and exploits. That’s why the CAKETAP rootkit exploit is so infamous. It’s a rootkit attack that targets ATMs. Caketap intercepts messages, steals PIN data, and makes fake transactions.
Mirai and Prowly are more likely to happen to individuals – they employ your device to a botnet and perform DDoS attacks.
The Mirai attack started by attacking OVH, a tool Minecraft used to defend against such exploits.
Prowli injected thousands of devices with a worm and then used them to mine cryptocurrencies. They also installed malicious browser extensions and led visitors to fake websites.
Some IoT devices have data like phone logs, location info, and camera footage. Hermit spyware steals this data, intercepts calls, and records audio.
Instead of being used by hackers, this spyware was used by the Kazakhstan government to spy on their people and repress criticism. Of course, the attack was done through malicious software that victims downloaded.
How To Protect Your IoT Devices
Malware is one of the biggest culprits for IoT breaches and attacks. That’s why you should always use security software to scan downloads for viruses. It’s the first line of defense. Here are some more tips on how to protect your IoT devices:
- Update your devices. Outdated devices don’t have security patches to fix their vulnerabilities, so they’re the first ones to be infected and hacked.
- Don’t click on phishing emails. Malware often spreads through email. Enable email security measures and turn on your spam filter. If an email seems suspicious, don’t open it, and don’t click on it.
- Use a VPN. Virtual private networks change the IP addresses of connected devices. Plus, they encrypt communication and ensure safer browsing. You can’t install a VPN directly on IoT devices, but you can install it on your router.
- Change the default logins. Hackers will instantly breach your IoT device if you don’t change the factory default login information. Remember to regularly change the passwords and create a unique one for every device. Use a password manager if you can’t remember them all.
- Protect your network. Enable the firewall of your router, and set a secure new password on your router and Wi-Fi network.
- Get the right device. Always buy IoT devices from reputable sellers. Manufacturers create copies of branded products and sell them for cheaper, which often comes with added security risks.
