BBB Tip of the Week

The Internet of Things, or IoT, may have a somewhat varied meaning depending on which expert you ask. The Federal Trade Commission defines IoT as the devices or sensors, not including computers, smart phones, or tablets, “that connect, communicate or transmit information with or between each other through the Internet.”

Some common household and business devices that fall in this category include security systems with alarms and/or cameras; remotely adjustable lighting, HVAC systems, thermostats and smart appliances like refrigerators and TVs; office equipment such as faxes and printers; medical devices such as heart monitors and insulin dispensers; and wearables such as fitness devices.

Cyber criminals target Internet-enabled devices for several reasons. They also seek to interfere with and capture data from business transactions, and overload a device so it doesn’t work properly.

Better Business Bureau offers the following advice to protect your devices from cyber criminals:

• Change all default passwords for routers and devices to strong passwords.

• Don’t use the names of pets or children or important dates for passwords because they are easy to get through social engineering.

• Disable UPnP on Internet routers to prevent hackers from connecting to your network.

• Only use devices on a protected network, preferably one that is dedicated to your devices.

• Purchase IoT devices from manufacturers that are known for taking security seriously.

When using medical devices at home that have remote operation or transmit data over the Internet, patients should be informed and ask questions about the security of the device to prevent malicious operation.

For businesses that create connected devices, the FTC provides information on protecting your consumers at http://1.usa.gov/1izc8Gg.

For more tips you can trust, visit BBB at href=”http://www.bbb.org/eastern-washington”>www.bbb.org /eastern-washington or call (509) 455-4200.

by Erin T. Dodge, BBB editor