Smart devices have transformed how we engage with technology in our daily lives, for various purposes such as home security, organization, communication, and entertainment. Smart devices are physical devices that connect wirelessly to networks and are capable of transmitting data. Smart devices include Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices (e.g., smart thermostats, security cameras, smart watches), laptops, cellphones, and more. The use of IoT devices is widespread, with 92% of Canadian respondents in a survey reporting having at least one IoT device in their home.
Despite overwhelming use, IoT devices are not inherently secure – and the lack of security can, in part, be exacerbated due to a user’s tech hygiene. For example, if one of your passwords is compromised through a breach on another website, and you reuse that password across other accounts, like your Wi-Fi network, those accounts are now compromised as well. Unfortunately, compromised accounts and devices can easily serve as an entry point for threat actors to infiltrate entire networks to expose your personal, health, or financial-related information.
However, in addition to (1) setting strong, unique passwords across accounts and (2) implementing multi-factor authentication where possible, there are other ways to secure your devices to minimize potential cyber and privacy risks.
SECURING YOUR SMART DEVICES
Get Cyber Safe, a Canadian public awareness campaign, provides tips to enhance the security of your devices at home, including:
- Regularly updating devices (where possible): It’s easy to hit “Update Later” for software updates on your smart devices. Yet, these updates can be critical in keeping your devices secure since manufacturers may release updates intended to patch security vulnerabilities. Devices that do not receive these updates are left exposed to known security flaws, which hackers take advantage of.
- Setting up a separate network for IoT devices: Setting up a separate network for IoT devices can limit the damages of a cyber-attack. You could go a step further and set up a guest network to limit any potential malware that guests connected to your internet may introduce. Some routers may not have the functionality to easily create three networks, so it’s a good idea to contact your internet service provider to learn about your options.
- Disconnecting devices not in use: Limiting pathways of access by disabling certain features, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, when devices are not in use is a simple way to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Some of these tips may not be news to you – which is great! Still, there may be others in your life that are not aware of the importance of proper security practices, and could be leaving their devices vulnerable to threat actors. Educating your family and friends on privacy practices is critical to promoting a cybersecure landscape in Canada.
Privacy and cybersecurity are not just for IT professionals to consider. We all have a responsibility now, more than ever, to understand the technology we are using, and to do our part in minimizing the cyber and privacy risks related to our devices.
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