How IoT Changes Your Threat Profile

Sophisticated cyberattacks are common for Internet of Things (IoT) devices with threats like ransomware, DDoS, and social engineering. Attackers can exploit these devices to hack data and create security vulnerabilities.
 
For example, let's assume that a router is connected to multiple devices. An attacker can easily enter the network and steal data from every connected device, or even sell the digital recordings. Isn't that scary?
 
There are seven major threats to IoT. They include:

• Discovery of the device
• Authentication and subsequent authorization
• Updates of devices
• IoT botnets, DDoS attack, and disruption
• Encryption
• IoT passwords
• Lastly, securing the network

New Tech, New Threats

New technological advancements are often accompanied by new threats. IoT is no different. IoT manufacturers are largely unconcerned about the risks posed by the digital universe given the security aspects are expensive and time-consuming to implement. Therefore, they attempt to connect as many systems as possible with less control over the security at the most affordable expenses.
 
Given the devices that are connected by IoT have very little external or built-in security, this makes the systems much more vulnerable to malware.

Understanding The Threats

A recent study reported that the use of IoT will double from $235 billion to $520 billion by the end of 2021. So, there’s no doubt that IoT will gradually expand its influence over our daily lives. 

Still, how can we prevent the threats that arrive from IoT? 

Because some antivirus is malware by itself, buying protection from unknown service providers can prove disastrous. If you’re attempting to save money without knowing the capabilities or reputation of an antivirus, installing it could be a grave error.
 
The antivirus you ultimately pick should have the minimum necessary features to protect your IoT devices from threats like ransomware, rootkits, spyware, viruses, worms, and Trojans. Moreover, these measures should be managed in tandem with a Virtual Private Network (VPN), password management, and parental controls to defend against intrusions.

How To Protect Yourself

Though most antivirus solutions claim to be the best, you should be very careful while choosing software to protect IoT devices. You should also update the systems frequently. 

Besides these points, every smart device has a feature called UPnP through which one can find the nearby networks and connect with them. Therefore, it’s suggested to switch off the UPnP option when you’re not using the devices.

Norton Core

When you demand secure Wi-Fi to protect all the devices that are connected with IoT, Norton Core comes first in mind. Even when an unlimited number of devices are associated with IoT, Norton Core can protect them from all viruses, cybercriminals, hackers, and malware. It has the ability to inspect every packet of data before it enters connected devices and offers one year of free malware protection for all devices.
 
The main features that users appreciate from Norton Core include:

• The setup process is very easy and streamlined
• Malicious activities are controlled by monitoring traffic
• Other smart devices and IoT objects are protected
• Unlimited device connections with one license
• Advanced features like Parental Control to get better control of online security

Bitdefender Box

Bitdefender Box is another cybersecurity device that can keep all IoT-connected devices safe from cybercriminals. This home security suite is capable of auto-blocking all attempts to send sensitive user data such as location history, financial details, user credentials, and more over encrypted connections. 

The best features of Bitdefender box include:

• It covers devices that don’t have the software installed
• Real-time notifications whenever new devices connect to your network
• Filters all of the Internet traffic before it reaches your devices
• It also includes the Total Security AV software that you can install on unlimited devices across platforms
• Advanced parental control tools alongside strong content filters
• Protects devices from brute force attacks while continuously scanning the network for any security loopholes

Other Notable Offerings

Other than Norton Core router and Bitdefender Box, several antivirus solutions can be deployed to protect IoT devices.

• Comodo Cloud - This provider offers complete protection from malware with real-time monitoring and sandboxing features. It’s free to use.
• Avira Safe Things -  Delivering all-round protection against spying, malware, and cyberattacks, this solution covers every IoT device with real-time alters and in-depth insights.
• F-Secure Sense - Protect all connected devices using a single interface that features a blend of cloud protection, a security router, and an advanced security suite.

Bottom Line

IoT is an area experiencing rapid technological advancements and adoption. As the use of technology in our daily lives expands, connecting an increasingly greater number of IoT devices to a network opens a new set of threat vectors for cybercriminals and hackers. 

Like any other internet-connected device, proper protection with the best combination of routers or antivirus and cybersecurity devices can help you get the best out of the latest IoT technology.