how-to-protect-your-privacy-with-iot

How To Protect Your Privacy With IoT

In this article you will learn about IoT devices and why they are invading your privacy at home. I will talk about what happens to your personal data and show you some ways to protect your privacy on IoT devices at home.

The purpose of this blog is to learn how to defend against hackers. Do not attempt to hack computers without the owners consent, it is is illegal.
What are IOT devices?

IoT means ‘Internet of Things’ which refers to internet connected devices that can communicate over a wireless network with over devices. At home the devices are mostly used for people to operate by remote in order to provide security or make their life easier. Here are a few IoT devices we use at home:

  • Smart Lighting
  • Smart Heating
  • Smart Speakers
  • Baby Monitors
  • Security Cameras
  • Smart Doorbells
  • Smart Sprinklers

According to Juniper Research the number of connected IoT devices, sensors and actuators will reach over 46 billion in 2021. A Hewlett Packard study revealed 70% of IoT devices are vulnerable to attack with each product having an average of 25 vulnerabilties

Iot-HomeDoorbells, baby monitors and wireless cameras

We install these devices into our home to provide us with security and peace of mind. We can use them remotely to see visitors to our house, monitor the babysitter and help protect the property wherever we are.

However with these security and monitoring devices its not just the user that has access to surveillance but hackers can also intercept the images being sent over the network or even use the devices to connect to other laptops and other machines on our home networks.

Sensors: Accelerometer, Ambient Temperature, Proximity and Light

There are many sensors in IoT devices that whilst they are sensing the surroundings they are also helping devices collect information about peoples personal behaviour and habits at home. This could include cooking and eating patterns,smoking habits, housework tv usage, sleep cycles, exercise routines, peoples presence and or even worse non-presence. There could be so much more data being collected that we are not aware of.

 

If you would like to read more about the IoT sensors I recommend a more in depth paper Unexpected Inferences from Sensor Data: A Hidden Privacy Threat in the Internet of Things

 

What Happens To Our Personal Behavior Data?

The device sends the collected information to the service provider which will mostly likely be shared (with your permission) to 3rd party services and big data companies for analysis. Many companies claim the data is not sold to external companies.

We are told this gathering and sharing of our personal information will help provide us with a better user experience. But isnt it really to provide big companies with valuable insights for marketing campaigns and to steer our behaviour?

Is all this personal information stored safely? Yes, until it is leaked, handed over to the government agencies or even stolen by hackers. In the end, who will know when your not home or who will have access to sensitive information that can be used against you.

How to protect your privacy with IoT devices

 

Before purchasing any IoT devices, find out if the manufacturer or service provider has software updates. The updates should patch any known vulnerabilties to help protoect you from cyber security threats.

How much do you trust the manufacturer? Is it a well known household brand or a cheap device that may seem to do the task but lacks in security features such as encryption.

 

Evaluate the information that may be collected by the device, how does it collect data and where does the data go? Is it stored locally or in the cloud? Is the information shared with 3rd parties? You can research the product, read the reviews and check out this Mozilla Privacy Guide for product privacy information.

 

Change the settings. Wether you are setting up a new device or have owned the device for a long time, there are a few things you can do to hold onto your privacy at home.

  • Do you really need voice control on your smart tv if you only use the remote control? If not, switch off.
  • Find the privacy data settings that may appear as ‘help us improve our services’ and turn them off.
  • Change the default password as many default passwords are easily available on the internet.
  • Check for firmware and software updates. If possibleset to automatic updates so that you do not miss any.

Whichever IoT device you own, become familar with the privacy and security settings. Changing some of the settings may affect the products functions and services. Decide what is best for you..

What are your thoughts on IoT privacy at home? Are we compromising our privacy for a shiny new gadget? Are we inviting intruders into the private space of our homes? Have Smart Homes become a target for cyber criminals?

 

Please share this blog on social media to help other people learn to protect their privacy do not forget to follow me on Twitter for latest blog updates. Peace.