🦾 New term to know: Internet of Bodies. Like the Internet of Things (IoT), the IoB is an ecosystem of devices humans rely on to function (even partially), including internet access, AI and other tech. Smartwatches and the like are in the first category, followed by internal devices like smart prosthetics. The third IoB generation? Devices that completely merge with the body, like Elon Musk’s Neuralink brain chips. I swear, sci-fi movies are coming to life.
How coffee makers and teddy bears could be putting your network at risk
When is the last time you bought a gadget that wasn’t internet connected? These days, it seems like almost every device is “smart,” which means the so-called internet of things (IoT) is growing massively.
But despite our best efforts, we might not be ready for all of our household items and gadgets to go online. Tap or click here to see how billions of IoT devices are vulnerable to this one simple security flaw.
There are now more internet-connected devices than ever — and where there’s an internet connection, there’s potential for hackers to come in and wreak havoc. Because so many devices are vulnerable to cyberattack, a team of security researchers has put out an alert on how widespread these issues are, as well as the best ways to fight back against cyberattacks. Here’s how.
Just how vulnerable are your IoT devices?
Ever worry that your smart TV might be sending data to someone who shouldn’t be looking at it? Have you ever wondered if your kids’ smart teddy bear is secretly recording them? We get it — cyberattacks are common. But you’re not being paranoid, either. Despite how safe they might seem on the surface, a huge percentage of IoT devices are actually at risk for attack.
A new security report from Palo Alto Networks tells us that 57% of IoT devices are vulnerable to cyberattacks of “medium to high severity.” That’s well over half of all smart devices out there — and IoT tech isn’t just limited to gadgets anymore, either.
Palo Alto Networks’ report shows us the variety of IoT devices has increased dramatically. About 34% of new toys, for example, are now internet-connected, as well as 27% of new cars and 47% of new kitchen appliances. These aren’t small fractions, and the sheer amount of opportunities for attack cannot be ignored anymore.
The study goes on to explain that nearly 41% of businesses need an overhaul of their cybersecurity programs to account for all these new IoT devices. Even if your network is filled to the brim with security software and protection, the fragmented nature of IoT tech makes finding a one-size-fits-all approach much harder.
Instead of blanket protection for your entire network, the smart thing to do is focus on all of your internet-connected devices individually and make sure each one is in fighting shape.
What are the best ways to secure my IoT devices?
Palo Alto Networks’ report wasn’t just scary news about threats we face — it also clued us in on some of the best steps we can take to protect our devices and networks they live on. Here are some ways you can protect IoT devices from cyberattacks and more:
- Always check your network to see which devices are online and connected. Monitoring your Wi-Fi network for intruders will protect every device connected to it. Tap or click here to see how to check all the devices on your Wi-Fi network.
- Consider setting up a separate Wi-Fi network for your devices. Tap or click here to find out how to set this up.
- Always use strong, complex passwords that aren’t easily guessed. Tap or click here to create stronger passwords.
- Always check for and install the latest updates for every IoT device you own. This will keep you one step ahead of hackers and cybercriminals.
Buying or selling a smart home? Read this first
Even with a sluggish housing market, there are buyers and sellers. Are you one of them?
As more and more people welcome smart technology or IoT (Internet of Things) devices such as lighting, appliances, and security systems into their homes, it’s most likely the house you’re selling or buying is considered a smart home. Tap or click to discover what you should buy first when making your home smart.
Patch your tech now: Printers, routers and more at risk
More devices are connected to the internet these days than ever before — and that’s not always a good thing. The so-called “internet of things” (IoT) makes it easy to control our devices remotely with our phones and by voice and integrates web services into ordinary appliances. Unfortunately, this makes it much easier for hackers to break in and wreak havoc.
Can these smart glasses tell you if someone has COVID-19?
Everyone is worried about catching the coronavirus and looking for ways to avoid it. Beyond washing your hands constantly, there are some other things you can do that will help.
For one, when you order groceries or supplies to be delivered you should always disinfect the packages as soon as they arrive. Tap or click here to find out how to place orders safely and sanitize deliveries.
Smart home 101: Making incompatible devices work together
There are so many smart home devices these days and so many manufacturers making them all. The competition has led to the invention of some great tech and cool features, but it’s also led to a rift in compatibility.
For example, you might want a Google smart plug but you have an Echo speaker. Those devices aren’t inherently compatible, though big tech companies are starting to create universal standards in smart tech. Tap or click here to see how big tech wants to make all your smart home devices work together.
5 security settings to change on your smart speaker
You want all the devices in your home to be safe. For those that connect to the internet and have the ability to listen to your conversations, you need a little extra security.
We’re talking specifically about smart speakers. Tap or click here to adjust the security settings on another IoT device. Smart speakers can be incredibly useful, but also a giant liability for you and your loved ones.
CES 2020: You have to see these robots and artificial humans
CES 2020 has already revealed some startling developments. Each year of the convention brings a myriad of new technological advancements, but few were prepared for what was in store this year compared to the last.
In a change from previous years, security and surveillance tech is all the rage. Whether you’re looking to monitor the perimeter of your home with cameras or flying drones, the future as shown by CES 2020 looks quite a bit more paranoid than the world of today. Tap or click to see this year’s CES surveillance tech.