Smart home devices are under attack like never before, with Internet of Things attacks up 124% this year.
That’s according to a new report from cybersecurity specialist SonicWall.
The company’s latest report makes for pretty terrifying reading for anyone who has a smart home device in their house, with the news that it prevented more than 17 million attacks on IP cameras last year.
That’s just the ones that were stopped, mind. And that’s just one type of device.
CNET has also reported that Zscaler has tracked a 400% increase in IoT malware attacks in recent years, and the Netgear/Bitdefender 2024 IoT security report states that smart home devices are now facing an average of 10 attacks per day.
SonicWall’s report highlights the growing threats to smart home security, with IP cameras being a prime target for hackers. These devices, designed to enhance home security, can become potential surveillance tools for cybercriminals if compromised.
The report identified the Hikvision IP Camera Command Injection vulnerability as one of the most exploited flaws, allowing hackers to take control of vulnerable cams remotely.
The Reaper Botnet, which recruits unprotected smart devices for large-scale cyberattacks, is also highlighted as one of the potential dangers of unsecured IoT networks.
The problem is exacerbated by the fact that many smart device manufacturers don’t have the resources or expertise to prioritize security. Shared vulnerabilities (OSS) among IoT devices running open-source software make it easier for hackers to exploit multiple devices once a single flaw is discovered.
Despite efforts to improve IoT security with protocols like Matter and Thread, the rapid proliferation of smart devices continues to outpace security measures.
Cybercriminals are also using AI tools to exploit vulnerabilities more efficiently, making it even more challenging for consumers and manufacturers to keep up with the evolving threat landscape.
Obviously there are certain things you can do to protect yourself from cyberbaddies. None of these are failsafe options but you should be doing them anyway to minimize your risk…
- Changing the default passwords on all connected devices and routers.
- Regularly updating your devices’ firmware and software.
- Disabling unused features and services on your smart devices.
- Monitor network traffic for unusual activity or unauthorized access attempts.
- Using protocols like Zigbee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth and Thread instead of Wi-Fi.
You could, but this is a bit of an ask, also try and take your smart home network local, instead of using the internet and the cloud.
It’s not always possible but security camera and alarm system brands often offer this as a feature, if there’s a home hub in place, and it’s a growing option with many other types of connected devices too.
