In recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT) devices have become more common for both businesses and personal use. The trend will, of course, continue to increase and the use of such devices will keep on rising. This is mostly because they are ideal for tracking large data. They can also evaluate the pattern or structure of data, as well as streamline business operations. However, when you are bringing in considerably more devices connected to the internet directly into the office space, the chances of you exposing or compromising your business to possible attacks also increase. The ways to deal with this threat as the use of loT devices will increase with time and security measures will become unavoidable.

Set Passwords

Quite often individuals fail to remember that there is an option of setting passwords for all the IoT devices. Moreover, people used to set default passwords for their loT devices in most cases, allowing the hackers clear access to the device.

Always make sure to set a strong and completely new password for your loT devices —ideally, this should be a combination of symbols, numbers, and upper and lower case letters. The passwords should be different for every device linked to your network. Subsequently, consider making use of a password manager to track all your passwords safely and securely.

Disable the Feature of Universal Plug and Play

This feature is designed to enable loT devices to explore and discover other devices on the network. However, hackers may also manipulate and exploit this function for their own benefit. They may use it to connect and find your loT gadgets. Therefore, it is better to disable this function or feature to protect your devices against such attacks. The hackers will then not be able to find your network through this route.

Develop an Independent and Separate Network

When you are considering many IoT devices, it is advisable to get them to quarantine among different unconnected networks, which are also not connected to your primary office network. This way you and other operators can continue to use the gadgets and have access to the internet as well but will not allow access any of the critical files. You may also contemplate installing the management tools for device access.

These tools will enable you to regulate the devices and decide whether to give them access or what data should be protected against illegal access.

Update Firmware

If you intend to keep your office gadgets protected and safe against the most recent hacker attacks, then you have to keep all your IoT software updated. Security research shows that consistently updating new security patches will help protect against current security threats and potential device vulnerabilities. Therefore, try to make it a practice to check at regular intervals for possible IoT firmware updates and install them whenever you find one.

In case you have several devices to protect, implement good patch management software to make the patch distribution automatic. Establish a monthly update schedule.

Unplug the Devices

It is important to disconnect the internet connections of your IoT devices by completely switching them off when you no longer require them. This can considerably minimize the susceptibility of your device against any kind of attack. Imagine if there is practically nothing to aim or target, the hackers will not be able to cause any harm. Switching the IoT devices on and off all over again may not seem to be a hassle-free option; however, it does refuse illegal admission to your router.

With IoT devices becoming an integral part of home and office setups, hackers will try to establish more intense and cunning methods to manipulate them for unauthorized access.

Following the aforementioned security practices will help you to guard your devices against a vast array of IoT attacks. It is wise to stick to the security protocols, rather than making your system vulnerable to outside attacks.

Nichole Heydenburg is a Content Writer for Apex Waves, an electronic test equipment company based in Cary, NC.