The Internet of Things is at Risk of Hacking

Today, we depend heavily on devices connected to us and to each other via wireless networks. These technologies have changed the way we do everything from conducting business to finding a date. But, how safe are our devices from hacking? Here are some of the everyday things that are at risk.

• Mobile Devices — Hackers can access your phone, tablet, or laptop more easily when you’re jumping on unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Keep up on software updates and never install apps from untrustworthy sources.

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• Personal computers — Your home computer is a lot less likely to be hacked if you only use your secure home network to access the Internet. Of course, you still have to be vigilant about the sites you visit and the links you click on. Never install something you aren’t sure about, and don’t enter personal information on a non “https” site.​

• Commercial and Governmental Networks and Servers — The most talked-about hacks lately have been those targeting the computer networks of large corporations or government agencies. These hacks are often massive data harvesting operations, like the recent Yahoo! security breach.

• Medical Devices — Yes, even medical devices are potentially at risk to be hacked. Medical devices that are connected to a wireless network are susceptible to infiltration. While no malicious medical device hacks have been attempted so far, the potential is enough to cause industry players to start taking steps to protect connected devices.

• Appliances — So, could hackers get inside your TV, fridge, or toaster? Technically, yes. If you use smart appliances that are connected to the Internet, the potential for hacking exists. Of course, it’s not all that likely that someone is interested in hacking your refrigerator, but we should all be more aware of the devices we use and the vulnerabilities they might have.

Potentially, anything that connects to a wireless network can be hacked. For most people, it’s the mobile devices we carry around with us everyday that are at the highest risk. To ensure that your devices are safe from unwanted visitors, install a comprehensive security app with a high level of anti-virus protection like PSafe Total.