Overview
Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as smart homes, wearables, and industrial sensors, are vulnerable to cyberattacks due to weak security configurations, lack of updates, and resource limitations.
Common Risks
- Default or weak passwords on devices.
- Unpatched firmware vulnerabilities.
- Unencrypted data transmission.
- Botnets like Mirai exploiting IoT devices.
Real-World Example
The Mirai botnet (2016) compromised IoT devices worldwide, causing one of the largest DDoS attacks and bringing down services like Twitter and Netflix.
Best Practices
- Change default credentials immediately.
- Keep firmware updated regularly.
- Use network segmentation for IoT devices.
- Adopt IoT security standards (OWASP IoT Top 10).