The Internet of Things (IoT) has currently become the most talked about technology across the industry and IoT connected devices are set to become key components to be embraced by consumers. With the advancement in connecting enterprise systems with people and smart devices, IoT is dominating traditional areas such as security, data and analytics.

As tech giants such as Google and Apple continue to be major players in the investment of IoT technology, those who are new to the exploration of applications on connected devices may find themselves worried about security measures.

Here are 3 factors to consider in securing your devices:

 

Password Protection

Though quite obvious, this is the most basic and also the most important line of defence for securing your privacy. Some IoT devices require very minimal setup, therefore making it prone to threats.

If the IoT device comes with a default username and password, this should immediately be changed. Try to use a range of numbers, letters and symbols in order to make the password as difficult to guess. If the device also allows the user to set up a two-factor authentication, this should highly be taken into consideration to ramp up extra security.

It’s also important to make sure that the IoT device is regularly checked for updates. Software and firmware updates via the manufacturer is crucial for security – as new threats develop, manufacturers create better software to combat it.

 

Network Security

Another way IoT device security can be breached is via the network which it’s connected to. The solution is to establish further security, placing it around the network so that it’s strong enough to withhold any infiltrators.

Start by making sure the device has basic security protocols. The default passwords on the modem router should be changed. Now consider looking into the device’s pre-installed firewall. Firewalls are designed to be an electronic barrier for the device’s data.

To extend the security further, a VPN should also be considered. VPN’s allow the information which is travelling from the user’s network to be encrypted. This method needs to be manually set up with the router.

 

Disconnecting

As more new and improved IoT devices are constantly rolled out across the market, most consumers tend to forget that their old devices are still connected to a network, even if not used. This can be a security threat to the entire network due to carrying outdated security protection, making it more prone to become a portal for hackers to access the central network. It is important that devices which are no longer in use are completely disconnected from the network, making sure no door is left opened and the other devices connected to the network remain safe.