The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices added convenience and joy to many of our recent holiday celebrations. From smart lights and speakers to connected kitchen appliances, IoT devices have become integral to modern holiday festivities – and gift-giving. However, the potential security risks associated with these devices can undermine digital trust. Read on to explore strategies to secure your IoT devices in the aftermath of the holidays, in alignment with ISACA’s goal of ensuring digital trust.
1. Encrypt Your Wi-Fi Network
The security of your IoT devices is closely tied to the security of your home Wi-Fi network. Encrypt your Wi-Fi using the latest standards such as WPA3, and employ strong, unique passwords to safeguard against unauthorized access. For an added layer of security, create a dedicated network for your IoT devices. This isolation from your main network is a step that will not only enhance the security of your home network but will also contribute to its overall trustworthiness. For sustainability efforts, consider using eco-friendly routers and optimizing your Wi-Fi settings to ensure your network operates at energy-efficient levels.
2. Set Up Automatic Updates
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain the integrity of your digital environment is by ensuring your IoT devices are running the latest software versions. Manufacturers regularly release updates that include security patches. Setting up automatic updates whenever possible will actively contribute to the reliability and security of your IoT devices. Also, prioritizing software updates instead of discarding old devices can extend their lifespan, thereby reducing electronic waste.
3. Ensure Strong and Unique Passwords
While many IoT devices come with default usernames and passwords that are often easy for hackers to guess, implementing robust authentication measures such as changing default credentials to strong, unique passwords and implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) will provide an extra layer of protection for your connected devices. Maintaining a centralized repository of credentials using password managers can also reduce the energy intensity of constant password reset and recovery process.
4. Regularly Monitor and Audit
Digital trust requires continuous vigilance. Monitoring the activities of your IoT devices through the logs and alerts provided by the devices or associated apps allows for the detection of suspicious behavior and malfunctions, which enhances security and can ensure the longevity of the devices. This strategy can help to reduce the need for premature replacements and contribute to a more sustainable digital environment. Also, carrying out regular audits of connected devices ensures that only authorized devices have access to your network.
5. Disable Unnecessary Features
IoT devices often come with a plethora of features, some of which may pose security risks. For example, if a device has remote access capabilities that you don’t need, consider turning them off to reduce the attack surface. Reviewing the settings of each device and disabling unnecessary features will not only enhance the security posture of your devices but also minimize the ecological footprint associated with excessive energy consumption of these features.
As we begin the new year, in many cases integrating new IoT devices into our personal and professional environments, remember that digital trust and sustainability can go hand in hand. By following these guidelines, you are both actively contributing to the security, reliability, and governance of your digital environment and demonstrating your commitment to sustainability.