Akamai has big concerns about IoT device insecurity
Akamai Technologies recently released a report detailing concern over the potential use of IoT devices in mass-scale cyber attacks.
Web content delivery king published a [link url=”https://www.akamai.com/us/en/multimedia/documents/state-of-the-internet/sshowdown-exploitation-of-iot-devices-for-launching-mass-scale-attack-campaigns.pdf” title=”threat advisory”] due to what it called the “exploitation of IoT devices for launching mass-scale attack campaigns.
According to Akamai, the inherent vulnerability of Internet of Things (IoT) devices makes them a prime target to be used for mounting large cyber attacks. IoT devices are becoming more commonplace in the increasingly connected world. Examples include “smart” home devices like thermostats, security systems, pet feeders, smart watches, and the list goes on.
The Internet of Things (IoT) Generally refers to the connectedness of various devices. IoT devices include phones, buildings, vehicles, and a growing list of appliances and other devices. The IoT is the central force fueling the increasingly connected modern day society.
Insecure “smart” devices
The issue at hand, Akamai warns, is that the lack of robust security on many new IoT devices could come back and hit hard. That is, if a multitude of devices become compromised, they could be used in unison to mount attacks against any kind of Internet target.
Bad actors using #IoT devices to generate attack traffic through weaknesses in OpenSSH. See our new report: https://t.co/BrsXLuovNp pic.twitter.com/ABLSMCkw93
— Akamai Technologies (@Akamai) October 12, 2016
Increasing IoT device security
Akamai offered up advice on increasing security for IoT devices. Among it’s recommendations:
— Modify the factory-default credentials (e.g. passwords) of all IoT devices.
— Utilize a firewall to limit access to IoT devices to a narrowly trusted IP space.
[relink url=”https://amuedge.com/symantec-iot-devices-heavily-targeted-hackers/”]
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