A couple discovered that their Nest security system was hacked when their thermostat was repeatedly set to high temperatures despite their adjustments, and the hacker started talking to them via the camera. According to the report, the attacker still had access to their smart home devices even after they changed their Wi-Fi password. The disturbances only stopped when they changed their network ID. In a statement, Google clarified that Nest was not breached and suggested that the incident likely resulted from using compromised passwords. The company also advised users to sign up for additional security verifications to “eliminate this type of security risk.”
The cybercriminal underground turns data and network breaches into revenue via IoT devices. With the exponential growth of smart home and IoT adoption, IoT attacks are a persistent threat vector that will continue, targeting user and enterprise systems for direct breaches or as parts of larger botnets.
Consumers and industries are still discovering how internet of things (IoT) technologies can support productivity, augment services, and offer convenience. Manufacturers and vendors are riding the wave of demand for these devices, and the wide range of available applications underscores the importance of security in protecting users and critical infrastructures.
Rio's next-generation router automatically prevents cybercriminals, hackers, sex offenders, and other unauthorized device connections from accessing your network. It encrypts your device connections, including your smart home and IoT devices, and isolates approved devices in dedicated SecureRooms for ultimate security. Additionally, Rio's two-level password protection simplifies password changes while keeping your family's Wi-Fi secure from cyber predators.
Looking through another perspective, an increase in temperature in the house or in one of the hacked devices could have caused a fire. Cyberattacks like these can have real-world implications, such as loss of property or even life. Users are advised to ensure their devices’ security and detection against unauthorized intrusions as attackers find more ways to compromise systems.
Rio customers are protected from these intrusive attacks thanks to Rio's zero trust security model, which prevents unauthorized devices from accessing your network of connected devices, including smart ovens, baby monitors, doorbells, garage door openers, Alexa, smart TVs, and more.
