Smart speakers, security cameras, and thermostats are only a few of the many Internet of Things (IoT) devices that have become an integral part of our daily routines. However, all this ease has a nasty side: susceptibility to malware that hijacks the devices, steals personal data, or even disrupts entire home networks. Compromised devices provide one entry point for an attacker to compromise your privacy, safety, and digital security.
How PUP Malware Fits Into IoT Threats
Not every IoT compromise starts with a sophisticated high-level exploit. Some even start with the lowest of PUPs. What is PUP malware? It is a potentially unwanted program. These slow down systems, change settings, or silently harvest data. See Moonlock’s exposition of pup malware for concrete risks. Moonlock even goes above and beyond to categorize these programs as precursors to more grave infections. So, are PUP files dangerous? Short-term, they might not be. However, in the long term, they might cause various issues on your device. In a Mac-based home, a single PUP on the laptop that manages devices can increase exposure across smart speakers, cameras, and other gadgets. Hence, having PUP security plus is vital.
A Mac, router, or hub that has been compromised turns out to be the starting point for the distribution of malware to lights, cameras, or thermostats. Monitor the controller’s activity closely, update the software regularly, and uninstall suspicious applications as early as possible.
Common Ways IoT Devices Get Infected
IoT malware has a way of seeping into your IoT devices if not detected early. In this section of the article, we will discuss the common means by which those very same IoT devices get infected.
Weak or reused passwords
Most of the IoT breaches come from default passwords or easily guessable passwords. Attackers just need to keep looking over the internet for devices with factory credentials or common combinations of passwords.
Once found, they get remote control access, and then live feeds can be accessed, which can be used as a platform to attack further. The usage of strong, unique passwords for every device is one of the simplest yet most effective defenses.
Outdated firmware or unpatched vulnerabilities
Firmware updates are regularly released by manufacturers to patch security flaws. If the updates are not applied, then known vulnerabilities remain available for exploitation. The greater percentage of attacks involves unpatched IoT being attacked by cybercriminals using automated tools; hence, access is gained with no direct user interaction. Regular checking and installing updates close these security gaps.
Malicious mobile or desktop apps controlling IoT devices
IoT devices typically depend on apps for their setup and management. If an app is installed from a source that is not verified, or if it has been compromised, it can open the way for attackers to have direct access not only to the device but also to the IoT hardware.
This risk also works with infected Mac apps within a smart home environment because once one control point gets compromised, it puts the entire network at risk.
Rogue browser extensions or infected downloads
Malicious browser extensions and downloads on the computer from which they are being controlled can steal credentials or inject commands into the web dashboard used to manage IoT devices. Even harmless downloads may carry something that will strike at systems associated with your IoT devices, thus propagating the infection outside the original host.
Signs Your Smart Device May Be Compromised
Cyberattacks on IoT devices are constantly on the rise. After you identify what aspects of your activities can lead to your devices getting infected, you have to be on the lookout for the common signs that your smart device is compromised. If your device is infected, one of the following symptoms is bound to show up.
Unexpected network spikes
If you find that there is a sudden increase in the amount of data used, it usually indicates an issue. This happens when your IoT device sends information to an unauthorized server.
Infected devices may join botnets, stream stolen data, or receive malicious commands from remote operators. All of these leave a visible footprint in your network activity logs.
Device behaving erratically or turning on/off without input
Another tell-tale sign is having your devices behave in an incredibly unusual manner. That can be in the form of lights flickering on and off on their own, cameras activating without being triggered, and the thermometers changing temperatures on their own.
While you might run into the occasional glitch without it being a sign of infection, repeated or specific patterns are often a sign of unauthorized access.
Sudden changes to settings or linked accounts
If your device’s settings change without your input, which can be in the form of altered admin credentials or disabled security features, it may already be compromised. These changes often help attackers maintain access and hide their activity.
Overheating or hearing any unusual internal noises
Maliciously infected IoT devices may work at maximum capacity for long hours, hence overheating, and unexpected internal component sounds being heard. This is basically when your device is being used for purposes it was not originally designed for, such as cryptocurrency mining or constant data transmission.
How to Protect Your IoT Devices from Malware
Now, the crux of this article is understanding how to protect IoT devices from hackers. So, in this section, we discuss the main strategies that you should follow to keep yourself protected.
Using unique and strong passwords for each device
Brute-force attacks can easily target IoT devices that run default or reused passwords. Create long and complex passwords with letters, numbers, and symbols, and stay away from patterns that can be guessed from personal information. Get a password manager to keep strong, unique credentials on every device you own.
Where possible, enable two-factor authentication
2FA provides an essential added layer of security by forcing secondary verification, usually a code sent to your phone, before granting access. In the case where threat actors have already stolen your password, it prevents them from exercising control over the device.
Keep device firmware and apps updated
As firmware updates often patch up the vulnerabilities that can be exploited, it is advisable to look for and install frequent updates not only on the device but also on the related applications. Failure to keep up with these updates could leave wide-open critical security holes for any attacker to exploit.
Monitor for anomalous behavior in network traffic
Regularly monitor your router or network management application for suspiciously high data usage or unidentified IP connections coming from or going to certain networks, notably from devices that should typically have limited internet activity modes.
Regularly run full scans
Ensure that any PCs and hubs overseeing your IoT devices have good antivirus or antimalware applications. For Mac-run smart home configurations, Moonlock discusses how you can detect latent threats that could infect associated devices. Regular scanning lowers the probability of malware hanging out unnoticed in your network.
Final Thoughts
With more devices in our homes, security is no longer something that can be considered after the fact. Just one missed threat, ranging from a high-profile exploit down to something so mundane as an IoT hidden menu installed that you were never aware of, can provide attackers with an entry point into your network.
There are small vulnerabilities that can be addressed early; keeping devices updated and using good digital hygiene helps ensure the minor issues do not coalesce into a full breach. In such a connected world, proactive protection keeps both the digital and physical spaces safe.
Gamer and tech reviewer in my spare time.
