From smart doorbells and thermostats to voice assistants and baby monitors, IoT (Internet of Things) devices are everywhere. They’re convenient. They’re cool. And they can be very vulnerable.

The more “smart” devices we connect to our homes and offices, the more entry points we create for cybercriminals. And it turns out, your Alexa or Ring camera might be the weakest link in your network.

Let’s break down the risks – and what you can do to protect your connected world.

Why IoT Devices Are Easy Targets

Unlike laptops or phones, many IoT devices:

  • Lack robust security protocols

  • Don’t get regular updates

  • Use default passwords (and many users never change them)

  • Often connect to the same network as sensitive business systems

That makes them an attractive backdoor for hackers—one they can use to sneak into your wider network.

Real-World Risks

  • Ring camera hacks: In multiple cases, bad actors accessed home cameras to spy or harass users.

  • Baby monitor breaches: Some were livestreamed on public websites due to weak security.

  • DDoS attacks: Compromised IoT devices have been used to take down websites by flooding them with traffic.

Now imagine that same vulnerability affecting a business environment: an insecure smart TV or conference speaker acting as a backdoor to your server.

How to Protect Your Devices (and Your Network)

  1. Change default usernames and passwords. Always.

  2. Keep firmware updated. Check manufacturer websites or app notifications for updates.

  3. Use a separate guest network. Don’t put smart devices on the same network as business-critical systems.

  4. Disable unnecessary features. If your camera doesn’t need two-way audio, turn it off.

  5. Monitor network activity. Unusual behavior from a smart device could mean it’s been compromised.

  6. Avoid cheap, no-name brands. If it doesn’t come from a reputable company, it might not have proper security controls.

Bonus: Business IoT Security Checklist

  • Are your office’s smart thermostats or speakers properly segmented from workstations?

  • Do you control who can install or connect new IoT devices to the network?

  • Have you reviewed IoT access logs lately?

If not, it might be time for a security checkup.

tech42 Can Help

IoT is here to stay. But so are hackers. Let us help you make sure your connected devices don’t connect attackers to your data.

From network segmentation to vulnerability scanning, we’ll make sure your digital doors stay locked.

Need help securing your smart setup? Let’s talk.