Think about privacy and protect your mobile phone number when registering on suspicious sites using virtual mobile numbers to receive SMS!

Keep in mind that experts claim that attacks using the Internet of Things (IoT) jumped 280% as hackers are becoming more advanced. The problem has become so widespread that the US Department of Commerce has moved to establish safety standards.

Do you know how to protect your security online when you are connected to smart devices? Firstly, it should be recognized that our personal and professional environment includes the use of technology in almost all areas, and we have entered the era when all these devices are designed to connect to the Internet. By now, most of us are aware of the risks associated with connecting to the network, and have taken precautions to protect our computers and mobile devices. This is an important step, but it is only the beginning.

Many continue to ignore the risks of using other devices connected to the Internet without taking appropriate security measures. If you think this does not necessarily apply to you, keep in mind that you probably already have smart devices designed to connect to the Internet.

There are dozens of different IoT devices, and owners may not even know what they have. These devices include digital media players such as Internet-connected televisions and Blu-ray players, game consoles, home security monitoring devices, smart baby monitors, Internet-connected devices and temperature control systems.

What are the risks of having these devices? Being unprotected, hackers and other attackers can use vulnerabilities to attack individual devices. These attacks can be designed to install ransomware, invade your privacy, or gain control of a device to launch secondary attacks on organizations using Denial of Service (DDoS) command and control attacks.

So what can you do to protect yourself when using smart devices? Here are some strategies to consider.

Protection against cyber attacks launched over the Internet

1. Protect your devices when possible. Constantly update your software, use proper filters and firewalls, practice good Internet habits, avoid phishing attacks and watch for fake websites. Remember to also use the second level of password protection.

2. Choose trusted suppliers when purchasing smart devices. If you are buying a digital media player or baby monitor, get the device from a reputable retailer. Such a company is likely to have the latest security system. The price may be a little higher to buy from a corporation of unknown brands, but you will save in safety and peace of mind.

3. Upgrade your security system to your home network. Make sure your network is configured to not send data without your permission. Keep your passwords protected and do not give them away.

4. Think about whether you will use a public or private cloud, and learn about the risks of each. Do you want the video of your baby monitor to go to the cloud? Think about the level of privacy you need when deciding which devices to use.

5. To prevent attacks penetrating your network, use a virtual private network (VPN) on the router to add a firewall for incoming traffic.

Whatever you do, you must not ignore the risk. As we move into an increasingly interconnected world, we all must take responsibility to protect ourselves and our networks from attacks.