Smart devices have transformed how we engage with technology in our daily lives, for various purposes such as home security, organization, communication, and entertainment. Smart devices are physical devices that connect wirelessly to networks and are capable of transmitting data. Smart devices include Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices (e.g., smart thermostats, security cameras, smart watches), laptops, cellphones, and more. The use of IoT devices is widespread, with 92% of Canadian respondents in a survey reporting having at least one IoT device in their home.
Despite overwhelming use, IoT devices are not inherently secure – and the lack of security can, in part, be exacerbated due to a user’s tech hygiene. For example, if one of your passwords is compromised through a breach on another website, and you reuse that password across other accounts, like your Wi-Fi network, those accounts are now compromised as well. Unfortunately, compromised accounts and devices can easily serve as an entry point for threat actors to infiltrate entire networks to expose your personal, health, or financial-related information.
However, in addition to (1) setting strong, unique passwords across accounts and (2) implementing multi-factor authentication where possible, there are other ways to secure your devices to minimize potential cyber and privacy risks.
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