Is IoT Dangerous? Not Really – Here's How to Use Smart Devices Safely

By Siarhei Fedarovich, Program/Project Manager at IBA Group

“Can someone really hack my fridge? Or spy on me through a smart camera?”

If you’ve ever asked yourself that - you’re in good company. A lot of people feel a bit uneasy about smart home technology. And that’s perfectly fair.

So, is IoT dangerous?

No - not if you use it right.

The technology itself isn’t the problem. People significantly facilitate their life with not only robot vacuums with object manipulation (as usual for us as refrigerators or washing machine), but also with sleep monitoring, connected pet care, smart grills and many others smart devices.

What is IoT, really?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is just a common word to name all these smart devices that connected between each other at your home and connect to the internet and talk to each other - lightbulbs, thermostats, doorbells, even kitchen appliances. They’re designed to make everyday tasks easier and your home a bit smarter.

Think about:

● Turning off the lights from your phone

● Getting an alert when someone’s at your door

● Having your heating adjust automatically when you’re not home

It’s not science fiction anymore. It’s everyday life for millions. And it’s growing fast - analysts expect over 29 billion connected devices by 2030.

What about security risks? There are risks, just like with any tech. But they’re manageable - and mostly preventable.

What you can do to stay safe:

● Change the default passwords. Seriously - do this first.

● Update your devices regularly. Most of them let you set this to automatic.

● Stick to well-known brands. For instance, Amazon is required to provide secure password procedures, bug reporting and policies, reducing the risk of device obsolescence and vulnerabilities.

● Use a separate Wi-Fi network for your smart devices. It’s easier than it sounds.

It’s all common sense - but easy to overlook when you’re excited about new gear.

A few real examples (and what they teach us)

Back in 2016, a wave of hacked devices - mostly webcams and routers - caused massive internet outages. Twitter, Netflix, and other big platforms went down for hours. Why? People were lazy to change the passwords installed at the factory.

In 2022, many security cameras were used for collecting private data. Again, the issue wasn’t high-tech wizardry - users often neglect safety rules like continuous password changes and regularly updates.

How to get started without worry

We have prepared a cohesive to-do list. Check yourself:

● Pick one thing - maybe a smart bulb or outlet. Try it out.

● Download the official app.

● Set a strong password and check for updates.

Final thoughts

Smart devices are new. And once you understand how they facilitate your daily routine, your life will change.

If you’re thinking about bringing IoT into your home or business, IBA Group has some excellent resources to guide you through it - safely and confidently.