Vulnerabilities within the Internet of Things (IoT) give attackers a whole new playground to explore. It offers direct access into consumers’ homes through simple everyday items like security locks, refrigerators, dishwashers, and coffee makers. Consumers need to be aware of the inherit risks that come along with connecting their devices that they bring into their lives.
Security locks are meant to protect houses and keep people out. However, attackers are able to penetrate some smart padlocks with Bluetooth technologies. Other locks such as the digital push button dead bolt locks can also be disabled in a matter of minutes.
Coffee makers such as Mr. Coffee with WeMo technology give attackers access to a consumers home network through a backdoor of the firmware. Because the technology the consumer uses to access the coffeemaker is unencrypted, the attacker can hijack the session, change the code, and execute whatever command without any sort of validation because it is apparently coming from an authorized device. Hacking a coffeemaker does not seem like a big deal, but Mr. Coffee runs on Linux. Attackers can rsh to the firmware and connect to the home network as if they are on a computer.
When an attacker can infiltrate consumers’ home networks, malware to IoT becomes more prevalent. Consumers need to become more diligent on securing their home networks and their IoT devices. Blind attacks on networks’ integrity are a challenge for most consumers. Security and encryption are rarely considered in R&D of IoT products. And, most home consumers do not know how to secure their home networks.