Smart Tech Might Be Dumb: Can Little Devices Hide Big Dangers?

Smart technology has rapidly advanced over the last decade, with both controversial successes and failures when it comes to the security installed in these smart devices. Home gadgets, wearables, and connected appliances bring convenience but also introduce cybersecurity risks, such as hackers gaining access to home video surveillance devices like Ring Cameras. It’s important to know the risks associated with using smart tech, both to be prepared for what issues may arise with their security and to assess whether the danger they could pose makes them a reasonable risk to take on as part of your inventory or household.  A short list of the dangers these could pose include:

1. Smart Tech Device Hijacking

• Attackers can gain control of personal and home smart devices, turning them into bots for larger attacks (e.g., DDoS attacks against other individuals). Hijacked devices can also be used for malicious activities like spying, altering device functions, or launching attacks on other networked systems.

2. Weak Authentication

• Many devices come with weak or default passwords that users often don’t change. This makes it easier for attackers to access the device and the network it’s connected to. Weak or absent authentication mechanisms can lead to unauthorized access. At times, some aftermarket and third-party replication devices of more popular brands are even sold under the guise of being a legitimate device, but may come alongside spyware-laden apps to make them work.

3. Data Interception and Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

• Data transmitted between smart devices and servers can be intercepted if not encrypted. In a MitM attack, hackers can eavesdrop, alter, or inject malicious content into the data being transferred, compromising sensitive information like passwords, personal data, or financial details.

4. Vulnerable Firmware and Software

• Many out-of-the-box devices run on outdated or vulnerable firmware that can be exploited by attackers. Manufacturers often delay or fail to provide updates that are easily accessible to users, leaving devices exposed to known vulnerabilities.

5. Botnets

• Compromised smart devices are prime targets for botnet recruitment. Once compromised, the device can be controlled by attackers to participate in large-scale cyberattacks, such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, without the owner’s knowledge.

6. Privacy Invasion

• Smart and home devices often collect personal data, sometimes without users fully realizing it. Hackers can exploit these devices to spy on users, collect sensitive data (e.g., conversations from smart speakers, health data from wearables, and video footage from the inside of homes), or sell this data on the dark web.

A key takeaway from this list is always making sure that you’re buying devices from reputable sources. While name-brand smart devices may carry a heavier pricetag, using unofficial knock-offs of popular brands often comes with the risk of shortcuts taken in the programming and cybersecurity of the cheaper devices. It may be tempting to buy a more affordable security device for your home or office, but there may also be a higher chance that a third-party hacker could then use it to watch you when you’re least expecting it.

If you’d like a consultation on some of the best devices that can help improve productivity in your office, or if you’re worried that a device may have negative effects on the cybersecurity of your network, reach out to our experienced Sales team today!