Protecting your IOT-connected devices from cybercrime

With the integration of the internet and technology at this age, we cannot ignore the fact that there will always be threats to every connected device that are being produced. If your home or business is equipped with these and has the capacity to connect to a network, then here’s a guide from Globe Business to prevent your devices from being compromised by intruders.

Globe is currently running its #makeITsafePH cybersecurity and cyber-wellness campaign to ensure that its customers and the society as a whole remain safe from numerous threats facing anyone using the internet.

Author’s Note: Previously, we discussed how users can protect their WiFi connections at home. We suggest that readers should read it up before anything else since this guide is highly relevant to the one that we made. Without further ado, let’s begin.
To put the Internet of Things or commonly known as IoT simply, it is a concept where physical devices such as gadgets, appliances, etc, can be connected to the internet via a network.

This is beneficial to us due to efficiency reasons. Let’s say you have to go somewhere but you also need to monitor your home but thanks to IOT, you’ll only need an internet connection and a webcam to directly watch it on your smartphone. As said earlier, more and more of these “smart” gadgets are being developed and thus, increases the risk that comes along with it. Here are some basic tips to bolster your security from intruders who would try to hack into your network.

Author’s Note: Keep in mind that these tips will be focused on home IOT devices.

1) First and foremost, Always think that your network will be compromised. With this kind of mindset, your awareness will increase significantly, which will motivate you to…

2) Make your router password complex and difficult. We advise that users should include numbers, special symbols, and capital letters in their passwords along with setting the password encryption to “WPA2”.

3) If you have a good router that can create a separate private network, then you should do it. Connecting your devices in a private network can prevent detection from intruders by simply restricting access to it.

4) Install security applications on your mobile devices or pc that controls your IoT devices. This may cost you money but hey, it’s worth it.

5) Check your IoT devices and disable unnecessary features that may access websites that could harm it.

6) If your IoT devices have login features, put different usernames and passwords to prevent intruders from accessing all of it.

7) Lastly, make sure to install the latest firmware and security updates on your devices. This goes without saying since most IOT connected devices don’t have their own security protection.

And that’s about it. Make sure to follow these tips to lessen the chances significantly of your network from being compromised so that your IoT devices will be safe. What do you guys think? If you have any more suggestions and/or tips, feel free to leave it in the comments section below.

For more information on the latest cybersecurity trends and solutions, visit http://business.globe.com.ph/solutions/cybersecurity.html or contact a Globe Business Account Manager.