The main risk posed by Internet of Things (IoT) devices is that their network connections can be used to attack other devices on the same network. Say a hacker takes over a weak smart camera. They may then use it as a way to reach your laptop, phone, or other connected devices. This is not automatic, though. How far an attacker gets depends on how well the network and the other devices are protected.
What Is the Main Risk of IoT Devices?
IoT devices are everyday objects that connect to the internet or to a home or office network. Smart cameras, TVs, thermostats, doorbells, and speakers are common examples. They are made to talk to other devices and to online services. That connection is useful, but it is also what attackers look for.
The U.S. Department of Defense makes this point in its Cyber Awareness Challenge training. It teaches that an IoT device’s connectivity can be used as an attack vector against other devices on the same network. An attack vector is simply a path an attacker can use to get in. A poorly secured device can become a starting point for attacks on other devices it can communicate with.
How Can a Hacked IoT Device Reach Other Devices?
Security experts call this lateral movement. It means an attacker uses a device they already control to move toward other targets. Picture a home network with a smart camera, a laptop, a phone, and a printer. Here is one way an attack could unfold:
- The attacker finds a camera with a weak password or a known software flaw.
- They use that weakness to take control of the camera.
- They check which other devices and services the camera can contact.
- They look for an open service or a weak password on one of those devices.
- If they get in, they may try to steal data, spy on users, or cause problems.
This is only an example. Many attacks stop at the first device, and each step can fail if the network has good protections. The risk grows when a device can reach systems it has no reason to use. A camera, for instance, does not need a link to a work computer or a business file server.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has raised a similar concern about connected systems. In its report on connected communities, CISA explains that linking systems together can widen the attack surface. A problem in one system can then spread to others when access is not properly limited.
What Can Happen If an IoT Device Is Compromised?
The damage depends on what the device does, what data it holds, and what else it can reach. Here are the most common outcomes:
- Unauthorized access: An attacker may watch a camera feed or change a device’s settings without permission.
- Exposed personal data: Some devices collect video, audio, location, or daily activity. If someone breaks into the device or its linked account, that information may leak.
- Botnet attacks: A botnet is a group of hacked devices that an attacker controls together. Attackers can use it to flood a website with traffic in a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack.
- Disruption of real-world systems: Smart locks, building controls, and industrial sensors affect physical operations. If an attacker interferes with them, normal services may stop or slow down.
Not every attack leads to all of these results. The outcome varies with the device and the system it supports.
Why Are Some IoT Devices Easy to Attack?
IoT devices vary a lot, so it is wrong to say every smart device is unsafe. Still, some products share weaknesses that make them easier targets:
- Default passwords: Some devices ship with default credentials, and weak or unchanged passwords can make unauthorized access easier.
- Old firmware: Firmware is the built-in software that runs a device. Old versions may contain flaws that newer versions have already fixed.
- Few security settings: Some devices give users little control over who can connect to them.
- Long lifespans: People often use a device for years, even after the maker stops sending security updates.
- Too much network access: A device may be able to contact more systems than its job requires.
The connection itself is not the problem. The problem is a poorly protected device that is allowed to reach more than it should.
Can an IoT Device Be a Risk Without Direct Internet Access?
Yes. A device does not have to be open to the public internet to cause trouble. Suppose an attacker already got into your Wi-Fi, maybe through a weak router password or an infected laptop. From there, they can look for smart devices on the same network and try to break into them.
Cloud-connected devices add another route. Many smart devices are managed through an app and an online account. If someone steals that login, they may control the device without ever touching your network.
This is why a strong router is not enough on its own. Device accounts and the connections between your devices need protection too.
How Can You Reduce the Risk of IoT Devices?
You do not have to give up smart devices. A few habits make them much harder to use as a way in.
- Change default passwords. Use a strong, unique password for each device and account. Turn on multi-factor authentication if the app offers it.
- Install updates. Keep device firmware, apps, and your router up to date. If a device no longer gets security updates, replace it or keep it off your main network.
- Separate your smart devices. Put them on a guest Wi-Fi network if your router supports one. Businesses can use separate network zones for the same purpose.
- Lock down your router. Change its admin password and use current Wi-Fi security. Turn off remote administration unless you need it.
- Turn off features you don’t use. Remote access and extra management tools give attackers more ways in.
- Remove old devices. Unplug gadgets you no longer use and delete them from your accounts. Check your router’s list of connected devices now and then.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest risk of IoT devices?
The biggest risk is that a weak device can be used as an entry point to other devices on the same network. How far the damage spreads depends on the network setup and the security controls in place.
Can hackers use one smart device to hack others?
They may be able to, but it is not guaranteed. Strong passwords, firewalls, and network separation can all block an attacker from moving further.
What is an IoT botnet?
An IoT botnet is a group of hacked smart devices controlled by one attacker. The attacker can use them together to send huge amounts of traffic at a target, such as a website.
Does a guest network really help?
It can. A guest network can help separate smart devices from your computers and phones, but check your router settings to make sure guest devices cannot access your main network. The exact protection depends on your router’s settings.
Should I replace an old smart device?
Consider it if the maker no longer sends security updates. An unpatched device can keep known flaws for years. If you can’t replace it yet, keep it off your main network.
The Bottom Line
IoT devices are risky mainly because a weak one can open a door to the rest of your network. That does not mean every smart device will expose everything you own. Strong passwords, regular updates, a secured router, and separate networks make that door much harder to open.
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I’m Emma Rose, the founder of Punstation. I cover technology, digital trends, business, and online tools, creating practical guides and thoughtful reviews to help readers understand their options and make informed decisions. For more on how I approach my content, see our Editorial Standards.