IoT 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.

Read more here.

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