5 Tips to Secure IoT (Internet of Things) Home Network

More and more people use devices or gadgets connected to the Internet of Things (IoT). There are even those who are encouraged to manufacture devices with simple components to create home projects: home automation, sensors, small robots, etc. It is good to know some of the generic IoT home security recommendations to avoid security problems.

Any device that is connected to the home network is potentially a hole through which someone with bad intentions could “sneak in” to reach other devices such as computers or mobile phones. Among the most sensitive devices in this regard are:

• Cameras of all kinds
• Microphones and home assistants
• Remote locks
• Smartwatches, bracelets, and devices with geolocation (GPS)
• Robots with sensors, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth that connect to computers

Below you will find 5 tips to secure your IoT home network in the UK.

1. IoT home security: Do your research before you buy

It’s important to do some research before selecting a device, to determine what the common vulnerabilities are, what kind of data is collected, and how it is protected and shared.

It is essential to read the privacy policy and see how much control you have over the data and how it is used. Where possible, avoid buying products with a safety record; since it is transcendental to prioritize privacy and IoT home security over price. If all consumers did this, manufacturers would have no choice but to make safety a priority.

2. Never use default passwords

Defaults are passwords preset on the device by the manufacturer, sometimes even written in the user manual. As long as the manufacturer provides default passwords, consumers should change them and use good password practices.

Even with strong security features, using default passwords can put your device and data at risk because it makes you an easy target. Instead, opt for long, strong passwords and change them approximately every six months. It is also important to use two-factor or multi-factor authentication whenever possible. You can also consider using a password manager and authenticator app,

3. IoT home security: Update software

updates help your device run the latest security and protection patches. Some devices offer automatic updates, but it is important to check if you will need to update your devices manually. Hackers evolve and find new vulnerabilities over time, and in return, software updates provide security patches to ensure the security of the devices. When the manufacturer’s updates are released, the user should ensure that they are installed and that they are running the most up-to-date software to make sure about their IoT home security.

4. Check permissions

It is essential to disable any settings that the user does not need, such as remote access or location settings. Allow only permissions for settings that are necessary, and not automatically connect the device to the network unless necessary. Just because your device can connect to the Internet doesn’t mean you should, nor does it mean connecting your devices to public or suspicious networks. Public Wi-Fi is not always secure.

5. Don’t forget your phone

Many smart devices connect to apps, so don’t forget to protect your smartphone to ensure IoT home security. If the phone is lost or stolen, it is clear that the user does not want anyone to be able to access their smart home, through their applications.

Bonus: Keep track of devices

Know what and who is connected to the network. Every new device connected to the home network is a new vulnerability, and it only takes one vulnerable device to compromise the network. That’s why it’s important to only use what’s needed and make sure you remove old and obsolete devices from your network. When the user decides to get rid of the old devices, he should make sure to reset them to factory settings, so that the next user cannot access the data or network.

Other useful tips for ensuring IoT home security

• Use a “guest network”. Some routers allow you to create a special network for occasional visitors so that two Wi-Fi networks appear: the main one for those who connect daily and another for visits or other uses. In this case, it is a good idea to connect the IoT devices to this “guest network” to ensure IoT home security. In case of problems, the activity will be limited to an area from which it would not be possible to access computers or mobile phones on the main network. Alternatively, in modern dual-band routers you can connect the main equipment to the 5 GHz band (“fast”, “plus” or “5G”, 802.11ac mode) and the rest to the normal 2.4 GHz (802.11g or 802.11n).
• Keep firmware updated. Just like the software on your computer, the firmware that is embedded in most IoT devices is also updated from time to time. A typical case is precisely to solve security problems detected over time. The manuals explain how to update them so that, in addition to working better, they do so more safely. The same applies to the apps with which they are controlled.
• Close ports and access ways that are not needed. This is common, especially in electronic DIY projects. When a new device is connected, the so-called network ports may be left open. These are the ways by which different connections are established: sending files, emails, web content, etc. Closing those that are not used is equivalent to blocking the doors of a house that you will never go through, leaving only the main key.
• Use a firewall on the router. Firewalls are a kind of filter that differentiate between authorized and unauthorized communications. They can be installed in the computer’s operating system from the network preferences, or also in the router. They act by blocking certain network ports, specific devices, or applications (mail, voice, games, etc). Although they are a bit more complicated to configure, they can be useful to let communications in and out of the home network only from certain devices or under certain conditions. If something isn’t on the authorized list, it doesn’t go through.

Conclusion

In short, IoT devices can be very useful and benefit the lifestyle of users, however, they can also present risks. This doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be used, just that you need to be smart about IoT home security and do the right thing to ensure the benefits outweigh the risk.