IoT Threats Triple Since 2017IoT Threats Triple Since 2017

In the first half of 2018, more than 120,000 modifications in malware attacked Internet of Things (IoT) devices — triple the total in 2017 and more than 10 times for 2016, according to a new report by researchers at Kaspersky Labs.

The report shows that simple, brute-force attacks on passwords were still the most commonly used techniques to breach IoT security, making up at least part of 93% of the attacks seen. Those attacks compromised a wide variety of devices, which were then used for malicious cryptocurrency mining, DDoS attacks, the inclusion of devices in botnet threats, and more. While 60% of the devices used to hit the Kaspersky Labs honeypots were routers, DVRs, printers — and even 33 washing machines — were in the mix.

To better protect devices, researchers suggested keeping firmware up to date, changing preinstalled passwords, and rebooting devices as soon as any unusual behavior is noted.

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