Welcome to Week 3 of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, this week we will be discussing the Internet of Things(IoT) and ways to protect yourself.
What is the Internet of Things? Well, it is the term coined to group together devices that were traditionally not designed to be connected to the Internet. Hard to believe but the first device that would be considered an "Internet of Thing" would have been a Coke Vending Machine in 1982! From Coffee Makers to Smart Watches, those are all devices that can be considered the Internet of Things. Unfortunately, the makers of many devices are not always looking to make them secure. So we will provide some tips on how you can stay safe.
- When Purchasing devices that can connect to the Internet, be sure that your devices are kept up to date with the latest software. If you go to the manufactures websites you should be able to find the latest firmware and instructions on how to install it. These can often be found on Manufactures Support pages!
- Ensure the default Login & Passwords are changed as soon as possible. If possible, disable the manufacturer's default profile.
- Go through device settings to limit the amount of personal data collections sent to device manufacturer.
- If using personal Wireless Access Points, look for features that can segment these devices into their own Wi-Fi network. Many modern access points have options to create a "Guest" network that can be used to keep those devices separate from your normal data downloads.
Make sure you do your research on how your devices share your personal information. It wasn't that long ago that Military Locations were shared via Smart Watches or Fitness Trackers, these devices would share fitness routines of those Service Members stationed there without their knowledge. While your personal data is likely not Top Secret, think about what data you might be sharing unwittingly through the use of your devices.
While IoT devices may be helpful, they can also represent a security concern for many individuals, such a privacy issue, vulnerabilities that IOT may have on a network, and ethical concerns. To better provide a secure and fast internet for everyone on campus, we ask that you limit the number of IoT devices that are powered on and connected to the network at any given time. While we are always striving to meet and ensure a quality network service for the campus body at SUNY Cobleskill, demand will almost always outpace supply.
Wish to know more about the Internet of Things? Try these free IoT Trainings!