If we’re honest, smart homes are incredibly cool. Refrigerators we can look into with our phones…from the grocery store. Televisions that can stream games, shows, movies, and YouTube, allowing us to watch whatever we want as we’re connected to devices from all over the world. Ovens we can control from the other room, grocery orders we can place with a mere request as we sit on our sofas…it’s like living in the Jetsons (only without the cool tubes and flying cars).

But, as is often the case, coolness comes at a cost. Smart devices create security challenges. The Mirai botnet attack in 2016 showed real dangers when it infected thousands of IoT devices. The IoT market is expected to witness a significant surge in revenue this year, reaching a staggering $1.06tn worldwide, according to Statista. From a cybersecurity perspective, however, that growth also means an exponentially larger series of attack surfaces as hackers target these devices more frequently by exploiting weak security and poor data encryption. Fortunately, securing your connected devices can be straightforward.

This piece breaks down IoT security into simple, practical steps to protect your smart home devices. You will learn everything about protecting your devices from common threats while you retain control of their convenience and functionality.

Understanding IoT Security Basics

Smart devices make our daily lives easier, but manufacturers often overlook security during production. You need to understand what makes these devices vulnerable and the threats they face to protect your connected home.

What makes smart devices vulnerable

Smart devices face unique security challenges because of their design limitations. Most IoT devices work with minimal computational power and hardware capabilities, which leaves little room for strong security features. On top of that, these devices use different transmission technologies, which makes it hard to create standard protection methods.

Manufacturers focus more on features than security, and typically ship devices with unsafe default settings. Your smart devices might also share your behavior and location data with manufacturers — again, by default. To make things even worse, security standards vary across companies.

Common security threats to know

The digital world of IoT threats keeps changing and poses several risks to your devices. IoT devices cause nearly 33% of all mobile network infections. These threats need your attention:

• Weak authentication and unencrypted data: About 98% of IoT device traffic stays unencrypted, which puts your personal information at risk
• Unauthorized access: Devices come with default passwords that people know or can crack easily (similar to routers)
• Outdated software: Many devices lack security updates or use old components

Why protecting your devices matters

Smart devices know a lot about your private life and collect data about your daily routines and personal moments. Unsurprisingly, without proper protection, this information could fall into the wrong hands.

Unsafe smart devices also allow attackers to break into your entire home network. We’ve already looked at the Mirai attack, but Amazon’s Ring doorbells faced their own attack in 2023, allowing the attackers to commandeer the cameras, speakers, and microphones.

So, this is all well and good (or bad, I suppose), but the big question is: What can we do to secure our IoT devices? There are three basic areas you’ll want to focus on: what we call the “Access Layer,” the “Device Layer,” and “The Update and Settings Layer.”

Setting Up Your Access Layer

Your first line of defense needs to be strong, and it needs to aim to stop as many attacks as possible. Here's what you need to know about building your first line of defense against threats.

Creating strong passwords

Strong passwords block unauthorized access to your IoT devices. You should never keep the default passwords that come with your devices because attackers often have lists of these standard credentials. Each device needs its own unique password that mixes letters, numbers, and special characters. The longer and more complex, the better, naturally.

Setting up two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a vital extra layer of protection beyond passwords. This security measure needs two different types of verification before you can access your device. 2FA typically combines something you know (like a password) with something you have (like your smartphone).

Authenticator apps work better than SMS-based codes to boost security. These apps create time-limited codes that refresh every 30 seconds, making them much safer than text messages that others can intercept.

Securing your home network

Your home network's security is the foundation of IoT protection. Change your router's default name and password right after setup. Here are the key security measures you need:

• Use WPA encryption for Wi-Fi access to block unauthorized connections
• Set up a separate guest network just for IoT devices to keep them away from your main network with sensitive data
• Check your network often for unknown devices that might show security breaches

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps protect your IoT devices when you access them remotely. VPNs create encrypted connections that stop others from seeing your communications.

It's worth mentioning that you should update your Wi-Fi password regularly, especially after sharing it with guests or noticing strange network activity. These basic security steps can substantially lower the risk of unauthorized access to your smart devices.

Device Layer

Your connected cameras and voice assistants need special attention to security since they capture intimate details of your daily life. You can protect your privacy while keeping your devices functional by following proven security practices.

Smart doorbell and camera security

Home security cameras just need strong protection against unauthorized access. Quality customer service and regular software updates come with cameras from established manufacturers like Ring, Nest, or Eufy.

You can strengthen your camera security by:

• Using the highest degree of Wi-Fi security available (WPA2 or WPA3)
• Changing default user and network names on your Wi-Fi router
• Installing a hardware firewall to prevent unauthorized access
• Looking out for signs of compromise like:
  • Unexpected movements or sounds
  • LED lights flickering without reason
  • Unusual data usage spikes

Smart camera placement should be away from private areas and out of easy physical reach to prevent tampering. Lastly, your security cameras should be on a separate network from devices containing sensitive data.

Securing voice assistants

Voice assistants create unique security challenges as they actively listen for wake words. Start by reviewing and adjusting privacy settings based on your comfort level. We can’t tell you how where to set this specifically, but keep in mind that convenience almost always comes at the cost of security.

Other essential steps include:

• Turning off unnecessary features, like remote access, unless you really need them
• Regularly checking and deleting stored voice recordings
• Keeping devices away from windows to prevent outside interference
• Turning off microphones when you're not using the assistant

Be alert to signs of potential compromise, especially when you have unusual activity in device logs or unexpected responses. Public Wi-Fi networks can expose your voice assistants to security risks, so avoid using them in such places.

Updates and Settings Layer

The security doesn't end with the original setup - you need to manage your devices continuously to protect them from new threats. Here are some key things to do in order to maintain your device security.

Checking for security updates

Software updates are a vital defense against security problems. Manufacturers often release patches to fix newly found security flaws. One thing to help maximize the benefit of those updates is to turn on automatic updates where you can. This will give you timely security patches without manual work. Notwithstanding that, make sure updates come from real sources, because attackers might try to install harmful modified firmware.

Adjusting privacy settings

Most IoT devices come with default privacy settings that might not match your priorities. Here's what to do when you activate a new device:

• Review data collection practices
• Configure sharing permissions
• Disable features you don't use

Voice assistants need special attention. You can turn off voice recording history and skip improvement programs. Look at settings for data storage and third-party access, and change them so that you retain control of your personal information.

Removing unused devices

Unused IoT devices create hidden security risks in your network. These inactive devices can be exploited even when they sit idle, so here's how to reduce potential risks:

• Keep a list of all connected devices
• Unplug devices you haven't used lately
• Remove access for old technicians or previous residents
• Update network passwords after removing devices

Your router's web interface needs regular checks to spot and remove any strange devices on your network. This helps stop unauthorized access through forgotten or compromised devices.

Note that you should document how you remove devices and back up important data first. You can restore device functions later, if need be, without risking security. A secure smart home needs careful device management and regular security checks while you enjoy what IoT technology offers.

Conclusion

Protecting your IoT ecosystem isn't as complex as it seems. You can secure your smart devices with practical, consistent steps. Strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and secure network configurations create a solid foundation to protect your devices.

Your smart cameras and voice assistants deserve extra attention, since they collect sensitive data about your daily routines. Security risks decrease significantly when you keep software updated, manage privacy settings carefully, and maintain your devices properly.

IoT security requires continuous attention, rather than just a one-time setup. Your smart home stays secure when you check updates regularly, adjust privacy settings, and remove devices you don't use anymore. Basic security practices shield your connected devices from most common attacks even as threats continue to evolve.

A smart home should simplify your life without compromising security. You can enjoy IoT technology's convenience while keeping your personal data safe by taking these protection measures. Your smart home environment becomes safer and more reliable when you implement these security steps today.

FAQs

Q1. How can I create a strong password for my IoT devices? Create unique passwords for each device using a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using default passwords or easily guessable information, like birthdays or names.

Q2. What is two-factor authentication and why is it important for IoT security? Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring two forms of verification before granting access to a device. It typically combines something you know (like a password) with something you have (such as your smartphone), making it significantly harder for unauthorized users to gain access.

Q3. How often should I update my IoT devices? Check for and install updates regularly, as manufacturers frequently release patches to address security vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates when possible to ensure timely installation of security fixes without manual intervention.

Q4. What should I do with IoT devices I no longer use? Remove unused devices from your network to minimize potential security risks. Disconnect them, change your network passwords, and remove access for old users. Regularly check your router's interface to identify and remove any unfamiliar connected devices.

Q5. How can I secure my home network for IoT devices? Secure your home network by changing the default router name and password, using WPA3 encryption for Wi-Fi, creating a separate guest network for IoT devices, and regularly monitoring for unfamiliar connections. Consider using a VPN for added security when accessing devices remotely.