The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has introduced unprecedented convenience, but it has also opened the door to serious cybersecurity risks. From smart home devices and industrial sensors to medical equipment and security cameras, IoT devices are everywhere—but many lack basic security protections.
In 2016, the Mirai botnet attack demonstrated just how vulnerable IoT devices can be. Hackers took control of thousands of unsecured IoT devices, such as routers and webcams, using them to launch a massive Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. This attack disrupted major internet services, including Twitter, Netflix, and Reddit, proving that compromised IoT devices could have far-reaching consequences.
One of the biggest security flaws in IoT devices is weak or default passwords. Many manufacturers ship devices with preset credentials that users never change, making them easy targets for hackers. Additionally, IoT devices often lack firmware updates or security patches, leaving them exposed to known vulnerabilities.
Cybercriminals are now targeting IoT devices for more than just DDoS attacks. In some cases, hackers use compromised smart devices as entry points into corporate networks. For example, a casino in North America was breached through an internet-connected fish tank. Attackers exploited the insecure device to access the internal network and steal customer data.
