Hidden Threats Lurking in Smart Home Devices

It’s a technology-driven world, and our homes are equipped with smart devices that make our daily lives easier and more enjoyable. Smart TVs, home hubs, virtual assistants, and other such gadgets offer a glimpse into the future. While these devices are convenient, they also come with significant risks. Data reveals that the average home now has 21 connected devices. The terrifying fact is that each of these is a potential entry point for cybercriminals.

A recent Bitdefender report highlights the alarming scale of the threat landscape. Bitdefender blocks an average of 2.5 million threats per day. That’s 1,736 threats per minute. The 2024 IoT Security Landscape report recorded 9.1 billion security events in 2023.

Bitdefender reveals that modern devices now operate using complex technology stacks. They are heavily dependent on cloud connectivity. The combination of firmware and hardware creates a significant footprint, and these are vulnerable to attacks.

The report also sheds light on the types of devices that are most susceptible to attacks. Smart TVs, smart plugs, and digital video recorders (DVRs) top the list. Smart TVs are vulnerable because of their popularity and longevity.

Calum Maguire, RACAM’s commercial director, said CCTV cameras, smart thermostats and other such devices were potential entry points for cybercriminals. He stressed the dual responsibility of manufacturers and users. Manufacturers must create secure products and update them regularly to patch vulnerabilities. Users must also remain vigilant and ensure devices are up to date.

Russian and Moldovan citizen Sergey Makinin began hacking hundreds of thousands of IoT devices in June 2019. By December 2022, he had created a botnet called “Interplanetary Storm” that was capable of performing a range of malicious activities. The botnet was rented out to criminals on the dark web until the FBI took it down. The case underscores the seriousness of the threat.