The High Risk of Internet of Things and Video Surveillance for Hackers: Lessons from Web Security

The Internet of Things (IoT) and video surveillance systems have become ubiquitous in homes and businesses, but their increasing prevalence comes with significant security risks. While most residential routers come with built-in firewalls, the security landscape of IoT devices can be much more vulnerable. This article explores why these devices are so open to hacking and discusses how better security measures can be implemented.

Administrative Vulnerabilities and Misconfigurations

Residential routers often have a firewall that only accepts packets from inside the local area network (LAN). However, this security measure is not foolproof when it comes to IoT devices. Many cameras and other IoT devices may be compromised with malware or misconfigured by their owners, effectively 'inviting' hackers into the network. These devices can then maintain a persistent connection, allowing hackers to exploit vulnerabilities and gain access to the LAN.

Smart TVs, universal remote controls, thermostats, refrigerators, and any other IoT device that you connect to your network can potentially be hacked. Therefore, it is crucial to be proactive about security measures if you use these devices. Common pitfalls include using default user IDs and passwords, not implementing WPA2 with TKIP or AES on your Wi-Fi networks, and failing to manage your devices and network effectively.

Lessons from Web Security

While web security practices such as using strong passwords, implementing secure protocols like HTTPS, and regularly updating devices have become standard, manufacturers of IoT devices have not followed these practices. They prioritize cost savings over security, which leads to significant vulnerabilities.

For instance, earlier forms of Wi-Fi encryption like WEP are outdated and highly vulnerable to attacks. WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) was developed in 1997 to provide similar security to a wired network, but it was found to be highly insecure. If a nearby hacker can observe many packets, they can easily crack WEP. In contrast, WPA2 and TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) offer better security but still have their limitations.

Best Practices for Securing IoT Devices

To mitigate the risks associated with IoT and video surveillance devices, it is essential to adopt best security practices:

Change Default Credentials: Never use the default user IDs and passwords provided by the manufacturer. Hackers often use default credentials to gain unauthorized access. Use Strong Encryption: Use WPA2 with TKIP or AES on your Wi-Fi networks. While WPA2 is more secure, it may limit streaming HD video. Consider the trade-offs and take necessary measures to secure your network. Manage Your Network: Use your router's Access Control List (ACL) to add the MAC addresses of devices and computers that are allowed to access your LAN. This will help you monitor and control network traffic more effectively. Use Wired Connections Where Possible: Plug stationary devices such as computers and printers into a wired LAN running on a switch. Only use Wi-Fi for portable devices to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.

Manufacturers' Role in IoT Security

The security of IoT devices is often overlooked due to manufacturers' cost-saving measures. These devices may be produced with weak security protocols, default passwords, and outdated encryption methods. This often results in a significant security risk for users.

However, with the growing awareness of these issues, manufacturers are beginning to take security more seriously. It is crucial for manufacturers to focus on security from the outset and not cut corners. They should follow established security practices to ensure that their products are secure, especially in the realm of IoT and video surveillance.

Conclusion

Securing IoT devices and video surveillance systems is not just a matter of protecting personal data but also maintaining overall network integrity. By implementing best security practices, using strong encryption, managing your network effectively, and choosing secure manufacturer products, you can significantly reduce the risk of a breach.

As our reliance on IoT devices grows, it is imperative for both users and manufacturers to prioritize security. Lessons learned from traditional web security can be applied to IoT devices to ensure a safer digital environment.