Your New Smart Devices Could be Your New Problem
Category
Vulnerabilities
Risk Level
So you or someone in your family got a new “smart device.” These are any electronic devices that can connect to the internet, and they include everything from thermostats, to TVs, to voice assistants (like Alexa), to cameras, to toys, to kitchen appliances, to baby monitors. You may also hear them referred to as Internet-of-Things devices, or IoT, but they all pose the same risk to you and your family if not set up properly.
“So what can I do to stay safe?”
There are a couple of key things you need to do right away after you receive your smart device:
Ask yourself, is this a reputable company? If the device isn’t made by a manufacturer your recognize (e.g. Samsung, Apple, Google, etc), then it may be a knockoff device. These devices, and the companies that make them, will often market them at a cheaper price point, but this comes at the expense of cybersecurity. So make sure you know what you’re getting into.
Is the packaging in good condition, or does it look like it’s been tampered with? If you have any doubts at all, return the item and get a new replacement one.
“Alright, I’m all set on those. What now?”
First things first: crack open the instructions. I know, I know - it seems silly. But many smart device makers want to protect you as well. So follow any advice they give you on setting up your new smart device.
Up next, set up your account for the device or change the default password. We’ve talked before about what can happen when you don’t take this critical step, and it can be devastating. So take the time to take care of this. And remember, a password manager can help you set a long, complex, unique password for every website, device, and account you own.
Next, open the “settings” menu for your smart device. This might be on the smart device itself if it’s something like a TV, but it may be on an app on your phone for something like a smart assistant. Take the time to walk through all of these settings and make sure you’re comfortable with them. Do you want to share data with the company? Probably not. Does your device have an option to protect it with two-factor authentication? If so, turn it on as soon as possible!
Finally, apply those updates. Some smart devices may do this automatically, but you may need to either check a box to enable this, or apply your updates manually. If so, make sure you check that box or periodically check your smart devices settings and apply those updates.
These are just a few easy things to do when you get a smart device, but can stop hackers dead in their tracks. And if your organization is trying to figure out how smart devices can empower the work you do, let’s talk about how our Cybersecurity Policy & Controls can help develop a secure strategy. Ready to talk strategy?
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