Iot (internet of things) devices and IP (Internet Protocol) devices that are directly connected to the internet are actually computers. The one thing that users do not understand is that their devices online are pretty much hackable if not properly secured with the help of cybersecurity techniques. One very common way in which hackers get access to a network of devices (home devices as well as office devices) without having to physically visit the place is by releasing malware in a system.
The infected system could be anything ranging from a surveillance camera to a mobile phone, the DVR of the computer, and even smart appliances. Shocking, isn’t it? And the worst thing is that hackers don’t even have to work hard to steal the data. There are so many loose (poorly protected) devices that hackers can easily exploit any vulnerability.
Having said that, whether it’s cameras hacked or compromised DVR, everything can be prevented and protected on the web from getting exploited if users follow the internet safety rules laid by the experts. Let’s have a look at those rules.
- Password Protection
A system’s backdoor is just like the backdoor of a house. It has to be locked to keep thieves outside. Just like a strong lock defends the backdoor of a house, similarly a password is a lock too. Which is why it has to be strong if you intend to keep hackers out of your system.
Here’s what should be followed for password protecting every device on the internet.
- When you change the default password, make sure you’re not reusing an old password. The new one you make should have 12 characters in minimum.
- If you have a lot of passwords to remember, save them in a password manager app.
- MFA Security
MFA can be adopted by organizations with many systems.
It’s multi-factor authentication. The system is kept behind 3 or more layers that are necessary authentication factors. The access to a system will be granted only when all the layers can be successfully cleared.
- Debugging the System
It is very important that every software in your device(s) should always be updated and running on the latest version. Some things that you have to follow are as follows.
- Keep removing bugs by running scans and deleting old buggy files.
- Always patch the router. Check for updates manually.
So, the bottomline is keeping the systems clean and adopting advanced web security tactics if you want to foil hacking attempts.
