Network Security – Smart Device Maintenance

Smart devices for a smart home need attention

Ensure that the firmware in your smart home devices is up-to-date.

As IoT devices proliferate, they are becoming a serious attraction for hackers of various stripes. This has led to the definition of new security standards, such as the Underwriters Laboratories’ 2900, 5-tier Security Ratings and the European ETSI EN 303 645. If you have invested in a smart home and plan to buy more IoT devices, check to see if your current and future devices adhere to the requisite security standards.

Similar to the contents your home router, IoT devices typically contain firmware and may require periodic updates (more to do, more to do!) to maintain their secure operation!! For example, a Ring doorbell will deliver firmware updates via the Ring app on your smartphone.

Finally, to inspect the Internet-of-Things network traffic in your smart home, Princeton University has developed a tool called IoT Inspector.

FOR FURTHER READING:
CyberGuardian: a SecureTheVillage Guide for Residents is available on Amazon.
A complete Security Checklist is available: https://www.nerdsiview.com/security-checklist-2/
References for Village Residents are available at SECURE THE VILLAGE: https://securethevillage.org/residents

Supplemental Articles:
https://iot-inspector.princeton.edu/
https://www.ul.com/offerings/cybersecurity-assurance-and-compliance
https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/cybersecurity-standard-iot-etsi