Nine Tips to Protect IoT Devices From Security Threats

There’s no better time like today to review the security posture of your smart home and enhance the resilience of your smart home network. From smart thermostats to connected lightbulbs, every IoT device you add to your network is an entry point for potential cyber threats – this is one of the many key findings in the Bitdefender-Netgear IoT Threat Landscape Report.

What are the Risks to IOT Devices?

According to Statista, the number of IoT devices globally is expected to reach 75 billion by 2025, up from 35.82 billion in 2021. These numbers reflect the increasing role IoT plays in our lives, from smart home devices to connected medical equipment. However, this growth also highlights the importance of securing these devices as they become more integrated into critical infrastructure. Here’s how to protect them and how solutions like NETGEAR Armor, powered by Bitdefender, can make your work easier.

1. Change Default Passwords

Many IoT devices come with default usernames and passwords that are publicly available or easy to guess. One of the first and most critical steps is to change the default credentials to something unique and secure.

• Pro Tip: Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid using the same password for multiple devices.
• How NETGEAR Armor Helps:

NETGEAR Armor, powered by Bitdefender, scans your network for weak passwords and prompts you to update them, ensuring stronger credentials for your IoT devices.

2. Update Firmware Regularly

Manufacturers regularly release firmware updates to patch security vulnerabilities in IoT devices. Many users overlook this essential maintenance, leaving devices susceptible to known exploits.

• Pro Tip: Schedule regular checks or enable automatic updates on your devices if available.
• How NETGEAR Armor Helps: The NETGEAR Armor Vulnerability Assessment technology alerts you when your devices have outdated firmware, encouraging timely updates to keep vulnerabilities patched and your devices secure.

3. Segment Your Network

One often-overlooked security measure is network segmentation. You can isolate your IoT devices on a separate network (guest network), limiting their access to your main devices and data.

• Pro Tip: Configure your router to create a separate network for your IoT devices. This can prevent an attacker from accessing sensitive data if one device gets compromised.
• How NETGEAR Armor helps: NETGEAR Armor not only monitors traffic on your main network but also keeps an eye on your guest network, ensuring comprehensive protection for all devices, regardless of their connection point.

4. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

For devices and apps that support it, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an additional layer of security. It ensures that even if someone gets access to your password, they can’t log in without a second factor, like a code sent to your phone.

• Pro Tip: Always enable 2FA where possible, especially for critical services like security cameras and smart locks.
• How NETGEAR Armor Helps: NETGEAR Armor offers advanced threat detection to prevent brute-force attacks on devices that don’t support 2FA, enhancing the overall security of your connected ecosystem.

5. Monitor network traffic

Unusual traffic patterns could indicate that one of your IoT devices has been compromised and is being used in a botnet or for other malicious purposes.

• Pro Tip: Regularly check your network for abnormal data usage. A sudden spike in traffic might suggest that a device has been hijacked.
• How NETGEAR Armor Helps: NETGEAR Armor continuously monitors your network for suspicious activity, immediately notifying you of any anomalies, such as unusual data transfers or attempts to connect to malicious servers.

6. Disable unused features

Many IoT devices come with features that you may not need, such as remote access or voice activation. If you don’t use these features, disable them to reduce your attack surface.

• Pro Tip: Review your device’s settings and turn off any features that aren’t essential to your daily usage.
• How NETGEAR Armor Helps: Even if you can’t disable such features, the NETGEAR Armor Exploit Prevention technology protects that device from exploits. Armor also notifies you whenever it blocks an attempt to exploit a device on your network.

7. Take upcoming IoT regulations seriously

With the surge in IoT devices, governments around the world are beginning to take security more seriously. The EU’s Cybersecurity Act, for example, mandates stricter security requirements for connected devices. Meanwhile, the upcoming U.S. Cyber Trust Mark will start differentiating qualifying consumer smart products that meet robust cybersecurity standards will bear a label, influencing the private sector as well. These regulations are designed to ensure that manufacturers are building devices with security in mind from the start.

• Pro Tip: When purchasing new IoT devices, look for manufacturers that comply with upcoming regulations, as they are more likely to offer robust security features.
• How NETGEAR Armor Helps: NETGEAR Armor stays ahead of regulatory changes by offering a solution that already meets stringent security guidelines, helping protect your networked devices that don’t meet these standards yet.

8. Use a comprehensive security solution

8. Use a comprehensive security solution
Perhaps the most important step is to invest in a comprehensive security solution that provides real-time device- and network protection, threat detection, and vulnerability management.

• How NETGEAR Armor helps: NETGEAR Armor, developed in collaboration with Bitdefender, offers real-time protection for all the devices on your network. Its features include:
• Advanced Threat Detection: Identifies and blocks malware, ransomware, and phishing attempts targeting your devices.
• Device Vulnerability Assessment: Regularly checks your devices for security vulnerabilities and suggests actions to take.
• Parental Controls: Allows you to manage your children’s online activity, helping protect the entire household.
• Threat Notification: Notifies you of suspicious activity or potential breaches, allowing for quick action.

9. Educate your household

Finally, ensuring everyone in your household is aware of security best practices is key to maintaining a safe environment. Children, especially, should understand the importance of device security, avoiding phishing links, and only installing trusted apps.

• Pro Tip: Hold regular discussions with your family about online safety and responsible use of IoT devices.
• How NETGEAR Armor Helps: With NETGEAR Armor’s comprehensive protection suite, you get notifications and guidance that are easy to understand, making it simple to involve everyone in the household in maintaining a secure network.

Make Security a Priority Everyday

Securing your IoT devices is not just a one-time task but an ongoing commitment. By following these nine tips and leveraging comprehensive solutions like NETGEAR Armor, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyber threats and enjoy the benefits of a connected home with peace of mind. Stay vigilant, stay updated, and make security a priority in your smart home journey. Your proactive steps today will safeguard your digital life for years to come.