5 Examples of Common IoT Attacks on Businesses

Internet of Things (IoT) devices have become increasingly popular for businesses across the board. They’ve brought unprecedented convenience and innovation to the table, so it’s no surprise that they’ve become widely used devices. Smart thermostats, security cameras, wearable devices—they have all joined the connected network.

However, while these devices are undoubtedly convenient, they have their fair share of risks. And as the number of devices out there continues to grow, so does the risk of cyberattacks focusing on these devices. As a business, an attack could be devastating, potentially giving hackers access to sensitive information. It’s happened to many businesses before, and without proper precautions, it will happen again.

By understanding the risks associated with IoT devices and how to ward against them, you can protect your business’s sensitive data and secure your network.

Common IoT Devices That Get Hacked

IoT devices have unique vulnerabilities because they usually lack well-rounded security measures and function in environments that were never designed nor intended to support connected technology. The most common IoT devices that hackers target include the following:

• Smart Security Cameras: These are prime targets for hackers hoping to gain access to sensitive areas of your business. Once they gain access, you could deal with issues like unauthorized surveillance or even a widespread problem when they use this access as an entry point to your broader network.

• Connected Printers: It isn’t unheard of for printers to store recent documents in their memory, including confidential contracts or personal employee information. If the hackers target your printer, they could gain access to a treasure trove of sensitive data.

• Smart Thermostats and HVAC Systems: While access through your smart thermostat or HVAC system might seem ludicrous, it’s entirely possible. Hackers can exploit these devices to access your network or disrupt operations by manipulating environmental controls.

• IoT-Enabled Medical Devices: In healthcare settings, connected devices like insulin pumps or heart monitors can be a vulnerable point open to attacks, which may potentially put lives at risk.

• Industrial IoT Devices: Manufacturing and logistics businesses are increasingly relying on IoT sensors to optimize their operations. Unfortunately, these devices, like the others, can be compromised. If that happens, organizations may face disrupted supply chains or sabotaged production.

Real Life IoT Attack Examples

Countless IoT attacks have happened over the years, some with more serious consequences than others. IoT attack examples include:

1. The Mirai Botnet

The Mirai botnet is one of the most infamous IoT attacks. This particular botnet exploited default login credentials on IoT devices like DVRs and IP cameras. In 2016, Mirai launched a massive Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack that temporarily unseated all sorts of websites, including high-profile sites like Twitter and Netflix.

This attack, in particular, shows how even small, seemingly innocuous devices could be leveraged to wreak widespread havoc.

2. The Target HVAC Breach

In 2013, hackers gained access to Target’s network using, strangely enough, an IoT-enabled HVAC system. This breach led to devastating fallout for the company, given that the hackers stole over 40 million credit card numbers in the process. It emphasizes the dangers of connecting critical systems to the same network as IoT devices.

3. The Stuxnet Worm

This particular instance, while not purely an IoT attack, showcased the catastrophic potential of hacking connected industrial devices. The Stuxnet worm was a cyber weapon that sabotaged nuclear centrifuges by exploiting vulnerabilities in industrial control systems. The attack targeted the government, but even still, the fact that it even happened underscores the risks for any business relying on IoT, especially in industrial settings.

4. Smart Light Bulb Study

Researchers recently discovered that vulnerabilities in smart light bulbs could be exploited to gain access to larger networks. One particular study showed how a connected bulb could serve as the initial entry point hackers need to gain access to sensitive company information.

5. Healthcare IoT Devices

This one is a more general example, encompassing the potential for connected IoT devices in hospitals to be hacked. These devices rarely have the robust security measures necessary to protect the person and device. If hackers were to gain control of these devices, such as an infusion pump, they could potentially alter the medication doses remotely.

What You Can Do to Prevent IoT Attacks

Prevention is a huge part of maintaining IoT security. To ward against IoT security attacks, implement these changes:

1. Change Default Passwords

Many IoT devices come with factory-default passwords that are widely known or fairly easy to guess. So, to protect your device once it arrives, change the password immediately upon setup. This is one of the simplest and easiest yet most effective security measures.

2. Segment Your Network

Keeping IoT devices on a different network than the rest of your critical business systems is another great way to protect your business. By separating the two, you ensure that even if a hacker does gain access to one of your IoT devices, they can’t easily reach sensitive data using that device as an access point.

3. Regularly Update Firmware

IoT device manufacturers frequently release updates to patch vulnerabilities and address issues as they find them. Outdated firmware leaves these devices vulnerable, so be sure to regularly update all devices to benefit from any new security enhancements.

4. Invest in Endpoint Protection

Endpoint protection can go a long way in protecting your business. These tools actively monitor connected devices for questionable behavior, such as unusual network traffic or unauthorized access attempts. Many of them use AI to detect these anomalies in real-time, which typically translates to a quicker response to suspicious activity.

5. Conduct Regular Security Audits

Routinely auditing your IoT ecosystem is a phenomenal way to check in on current safety measures and ensure they’re still working as they should. This way, you can identify and address issues before hackers can exploit them.

Partnering with IT security professionals can be a great way to handle this, especially since they can provide actionable recommendations alongside valuable insights to keep your systems secure.

6. Use Encryption

Encryption protects your data by making it unreadable to unauthorized users. It’s important that you implement these protocols for both stored and transmitted data. This way, the data is protected, even if hackers find a way to gain access to the data stream, such as between IoT devices and the network.

7. Train Employees

Employee awareness is a huge part of IoT security. When crafting your preventative plan, develop training programs that educate your staff about the risks associated with IoT devices and the importance of sticking to best practices.

You might cover topics like recognizing phishing attempts, securing personal devices used for work, and following established protocols for device setup and usage. When your employees know what to do and how to handle these situations, you reduce the likelihood of human errors that could compromise security.

Protect Your IoT Devices With Infiniwiz

While IoT devices offer all sorts of opportunities for businesses across the board, they also introduce a host of unique security issues. An attack could be catastrophic for your business, especially if the attackers use the system as an entry point to gain access to more sensitive information or the broader network. Thankfully, there are ways to ward against these attacks, and by implementing these measures, your business can reap the benefits of IoT technology without falling prey to cyber threats.

At Infiniwiz, we specialize in network security, including securing IoT ecosystems for businesses of all sizes. If you need help keeping your business safe, even when using IoT devices, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about our security services.