IoT is rapidly changing how consumers and manufacturers interact with the world. Over 34 billion devices were expected connected to the internet by 2020, with 24 billion IoT.
The threat of IoT today
The Mirai botnet of 2016 brought down Netflix and others via hacked IoT. The BrickerBot outbreak of 2017 destroyed thousands of devices.
Tips to preventing an IoT attack
Update IoT devices regularly. Update firmware consistently when possible.
Change default passwords. Even Equifax used admin/admin on a database.
Run a device audit. Go through every device on your network, including cameras, monitors, sensors.
Incorporate unmonitored devices into logging solutions. Authenticate IoT devices.
Build an incident response plan. Three-quarters of small businesses are not prepared. Do not be one of them.
Originally published 4 October 2017. Migrated to the new IRC site in 2026.