Hidden Dangers of the Internet of Things and How To Address Them
As the internet of things (IoT) continues to grow, so do the risks and dangers associated with it. Many people are not aware of the hidden dangers of the IoT and how to address them. Some of the dangers include malware and hackers being able to access your personal data, devices being hacked and used to spread malware, and privacy concerns. There are a few things that you can do to help protect yourself from these dangers. Below, you’ll learn more about backing up your data and implementing security protocols. Keep reading to find out more.
Chan Boards
Have ever wondered the question, “What are chan boards?” These are typically image boards that are anonymous that exist on both a surface level and deep web level. There are limited boundaries on chan boards, so the forum encourages free speech about anything and everything. They’re like bulletin boards online and usually contain some valuable intel for physical security intelligence. Because they expire, there’s little to no trace of the activity. But there’s some harmful content on there, including doxxing, intel on shootings, extremism, violent threats, and data breaches or data leaks. Because of the anonymity, people are more inclined to discuss controversial topics and other illegal content. To address these, open source intelligence tools (OSINT) like LifeRaft are used to investigate and monitor chan boards. These companies can detect relevant information. And with automated search tools, security teams can be notified quickly and efficiently.
Vulnerability to Cyberattacks
The internet of things is a term for the ever-growing network of devices that are connected to the internet. These devices include everything from smartphones and laptops to home appliances and vehicles. While the IoT offers a wealth of opportunities for enhanced convenience and efficiency, it also comes with a number of hidden dangers that users should be aware of. One of the biggest dangers is the potential for cyberattacks. As more and more devices are connected to the internet, they become increasingly vulnerable to hackers. These hackers can exploit the vulnerabilities of these devices to gain access to sensitive information or even take control of them. In fact, a report by Symantec found that the number of related cyberattacks increased by 600 percent in 2017. That’s why one might want to earn an online associates degree information technology. This type of degree will give you a comprehensive overview of all things related to cybersecurity. You’ll learn about the different aspects of cybersecurity, such as risk management, network security, and incident response. You’ll also learn about the various tools and technologies that are used to protect networks and systems from cyberattacks.
Data Breaches
Another danger of the IoT is the potential for data breaches. As more and more devices are connected to the internet, the amount of data that is collected and stored is increasing exponentially. This data is often highly sensitive, and if it falls into the wrong hands, it can be used for identity theft, fraud, or other malicious activities. Unfortunately, data breaches are becoming increasingly common, and the IoT makes them even more likely.
Addressing the Dangers of the Internet of Things
To protect themselves from risk, users should take the following precautions:
- Back up their data regularly
- Use strong passwords and encryption
- Be vigilant about updating their devices’ software
- Avoid connecting devices that are not necessary
- Install a firewall and anti-virus software
- Be aware of the risks associated with using public Wi-Fi networks
Despite the dangers of the IoT, there are a number of ways to address them. Be aware of the risks and to take steps to protect yourself and your devices. Take steps to secure your devices and improve their cyber security. Finally, you should advocate for better cyber security measures from corporations and governments. These are just some of the ways to address cyber security in a way that’s best for your safety.
