Network security professionals say that the Internet of Things is more like a threat to the internet. That's why.
Ensuring the Security of Smart Home Networks: Risks of the Internet of Things
In recent years, with the soaring demand for connectivity and remote management from users, the Internet of Things (IoT) has shown explosive growth, which in turn has driven the development of the smart home market and made home systems easier to use and manage. Everything from routers, televisions, speakers, lights, power sockets, major appliances, heating and cooling systems, door locks, security cameras, sensors, and more are now connected to the internet. However, security experts say that most of these new IoT devices are not managed and have poor security, making smart homes vulnerable to attacks.
Therefore, many IT and cybersecurity professionals refer to the Internet of Things as a "threat to the Internet" because many IoT based smart home products have inherent security vulnerabilities.
Mark Houpt, Chief Information Security Officer of DataBank, a data center operator, said, "What we really focus on is the typically unmanaged devices in IoT scenarios that may be hacked and exploited as rebound devices or robots to attack other things, appearing anonymously. In other words, using IoT devices as proxies for actual attacks that are occurring
Why is the Internet of Things not secure?
Many devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and other endpoints, are equipped with Windows, Google, or Mac platforms, so they are equipped with various security settings that can be changed to make these devices more secure. The reason why cybercriminals want to access these devices is entirely reasonable, and the IT and security industries are constantly adjusting to address these ubiquitous threats. However, IoT devices are another matter, as they are added to the network, and security is considered after the fact.
Houpt stated that many IoT devices are inherently insecure for two reasons: neglect and lack of interfaces to add security and reinforcement measures.
On microwaves, refrigerators, and televisions, we don't have many options to turn them on or off, or to turn on settings that make devices safer. Because antivirus software cannot be added to televisions or refrigerators
Essentially, users now rely entirely on the content added by the manufacturer in their code.
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) agrees, stating that the increasing prominence of the Internet of Things is exacerbating the consequences of known network risks and bringing new ones.
The agency said: "Attackers can use this scale to infect a large number of devices at one time, so that they can access the data on these devices, or as part of the Botnet, attack other computers or devices for malicious purposes."
How to use IoT devices for network attacks
There are several recent examples that fit Houpt's description: hacking activities that use IoT devices to spread malware, including an activity discovered by Palo Alto Networks that spreads Mira through a series of IoT devices, including residential and commercial devices