There has been a huge growth in Iot and smart home devices. The more smart devices we have connected provides more opportunity for hackers to access our homes via these devices.

 

Hackers can gain access to a home network and various connected devices in a matter of days if not hours.

 

More then 150 hackers gathered at a two-day hackathon sponsored by MIT in February this year. They were tasked with exploiting weaknesses in more than 20 different smart home systems and devices. On day-one alone, hackers were successful in taking control of 25 percent of the devices in less than three hours.

 

Internet routers, wireless CCTV cameras and childrens’ smart toys were deemed high risk. Hackers accessed security camera’s and could even pan and tilt the cameras to monitor activity in the house. Not a comforting thought.

Home devices like smart TVs and appliances are often designed for easy use and not security. Making it easier for hackers is that many people aren’t aware of the risk and don’t take even basic measures such as changing default passwords and updating security software.

 

Imagine, the implications of a city of smart homes all tripling their energy consumption in an instant, or locking their inhabitants out of their houses all at the same time?

 

Iot and the Hackable Home is something we need to take seriously and be aware off. In next months blog I will look at basic things you can do to reduce your risk and protect your home against hackers.