IoT (Internet of Things)

Everyday physical devices connected to the internet, such as security cameras, smart thermostats, door locks, printers and sensors, that collect or exchange data.

The Internet of Things includes a wide range of connected equipment found in offices, shops, farms and industrial sites. Examples include video doorbells, building access systems, smart TVs in boardrooms, environmental sensors and connected equipment on job sites. These devices are convenient but are often designed with low cost and ease of setup ahead of security.

IoT devices commonly ship with default passwords, receive few or no updates, and are installed by facilities staff or vendors without IT involvement. Compromised IoT devices are frequently recruited into botnets and can provide a foothold into the business network. A camera system accessible from the internet with a default password can also expose private footage of your premises.

Practical tip: change default passwords on every connected device, install updates where available, and place IoT devices on a separate network segment or guest network away from computers holding business data. Before buying, check whether the manufacturer provides security updates and for how long.