Internet of Things: BotNets exist. ThingBots do not

On the 16th of January 2014 Proofpoint (Leading Security Firm) claims to have uncovered what could be the first proven Internet of Things (IoT)-based cyberattack involving conventional household “smart” appliances. The global attack campaign involved more than 750,000 malicious email communications coming from more than 100,000 everyday consumer gadgets such as home-networking routers, connected multi-media centers, televisions and at least one refrigerator (What? A FRIDGE!) that had been compromised and used as a platform to launch attacks.

Just as personal computers can be unknowingly compromised to form robot-like “botnets” that can be used to launch large-scale cyberattacks, Proofpoint’s findings alledge that cyber criminals have begun to commandeer home routers, smart appliances and other components of the Internet of Things and transform them into “thingbots” to carry out the same type of malicious activity. Cyber criminals intent on stealing individual identities and infiltrating enterprise IT systems have found a target-rich environment in these poorly protected internet connected devices that may be more attractive and easier to infect and control than PC, laptops, or tablets.

Does “ThingBot” excist? [----> Read More]

How To Protect Your Smartphone or Tablet in 2014

 until 2011 PC's and Laptops where mainly targeted by virusses. Until then Mobile devices have flown under the threat radar with PCs mainly taking the abuse. As a result, many smartphone and tablet owners give little thought to the risks that lurk behind deceivingly harmless apps.

It's not a surprise that smartphones and tablets are no safer from invasions than computers. A digital device is a digital device, regardless of its size and portability. Nonetheless there are a number of ways you can protect your phone or tablet (DO) and there are a number of things you should be aware (DON'T) which I will list below:

READ MORE: HERE 

The Internet of Things: Top 5 Device Security Tips VISIT

blog courtesy of www.insidedevices.org

Gates’ could control about anything in his house by the tap of his finger, whilst driving his car 20 miles away from his house.

Welcome to the “The Internet of Things“(IoT) that does represent a revolution happening right now. All kind of companies – not just technology and telecommunications firms – are linking “things” as diverse as smartphones, cars and household appliances to industrial-strength sensors, each other and the internet. The technical result may be simple features such as intercommunication and autonomous machine-to-machine (M2M) data transfer, but the potential benefits to lifestyles and businesses are unprecedented.

Ofcourse there is a “But”….with great opportunity comes great responsibility. Along with its conveniences, the IoT will be exposed to unprecedented security challenges: data privacy, safety, governance and trust. 

What Are The Main Security Loopholes?

Security loopholes can occur anywhere in the IoT; but you can devide into two groups:

Data Risks: all smart devices will transmit data to a storage point before (in most cases) a bulk upload to the provider, often with outdate security settings.

Privacy Risks: all our smart devices collect, aggregate and transmit our user data,  even tiny items of data in aggregate can identify, define, and label you without your knowledge.

What Can You Do To Protect Your Data and Privacy?

1. Audit the devices you own.
2. Secure your device. If a device is connected to your network, it means that it is potentially accessible over the internet.
3. Verify the security settings on any device you purchase. If it is remotely accessible, disable this feature if it isn’t required
4. Change any default passwords to something only you know. A long combination of letters, numbers and symbols will generate a strong password.
5. Check the manufacturer’s website to see if there are updates to the device’s software. If security vulnerabilities are discovered, manufacturers will often patch them in new updates to the software. PATCHING IS EVERYTHING

What Is The Best Example Day-To-Day Example of A Device That Poses A Risk To Our Data and Privacy? 

The ATM, whether it is operated from North America, Europe, Africa, South-America, Asia or Australia; the majority is operated on a Windows XP platform. Microsoft announced that by April 8th 2014 it will stop releasing security patches. There are an estimated 3.000.000 ATM’s in the world!

Read the full article here