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What South Africans need to know about smart devices

Carey van Vlaanderen.

We live in a world surrounded by smart devices, from our pockets to our driveways and living rooms. “These advances offer convenience and, in many cases, extra security, but when gadgets are fitted with computing power and internet connectivity, they also become a target for remote hackers,” says Carey van Vlaanderen, CEO of ESET South Africa.

Smart cars meet smart hackers

Earlier this year, a TikTok trend helped thieves hack specific models of Kia, Hyundai cars. According to Bloomberg, videos about the so-called 'Kia Challenge' showed mostly teenagers giving instructions on unlocking these cars. TikTok videos show that by inserting a USB cable into a broken steering column, thieves can hotwire an engine – much like the way that screwdrivers typically come in handy for the same reason. While obscure skills and knowledge were needed to break into and start a car in the past, today, thieves and anyone else can easily find all that info online and sometimes even on social media.

Van Vlaanderen says that several ethical hackers, who use their skills to identify security vulnerabilities to raise awareness, have found vulnerabilities in various smart car models that allowed them to start them, sound their horns, or flash their lights - all done remotely or from a close vicinity. "Unfortunately, there is not much car owners can do about the cybersecurity of their vehicles aside from having a general awareness about the vulnerabilities inherent to any device connected to the internet and to take steps as advised by manufacturers as and when needed."

Get savvy about smart home technology

She adds that one of the biggest attractions of smart home technology, particularly in South Africa, is using internet connected devices to secure personal dwellings remotely. "Despite the ease smart home security devices provide for protecting homes against theft, damage, or accidents, smart home devices also create the risk of lowering personal data security. Two major flaws in connected homes make them susceptible to attacks: vulnerable local networks, and weak IoT devices."

Wi-Fi connections can be at risk if they have simple default names or easy-to-guess passwords. Even though some smart devices come with built-in security features, Van Vlaanderen says that it is essential for owners to take extra precautions, including setting up strong passwords and using two-factor authentication. This means when you try to log in, you will need an extra code or approval from your phone or a special app to access the device.

Monitoring your baby securely

"The same principles hold for internet connected baby monitors. There are examples of distressed parents discovering that strangers have breached their baby monitors, and while these cases are relatively rare, they do happen from time to time," she says.

The motives for hackers trying to access a baby monitor may vary, from playing an elaborate prank, to gathering information for more nefarious purposes, such as stealing personal information overheard on the monitor, or confirming that no one is home so that the house can be burgled.

"Wi-Fi baby monitors are more exposed to hacking because they connect to the home router and, often, out to the public internet. The latter supports functionality, which allows parents to view the video feed via a mobile app, wherever they are. While this could provide peace of mind when out and about, it also opens the door to remote hackers, who might be scouring the web looking for unsecured cameras to hijack," notes Van Vlaanderen.

How to protect your smart devices and online privacy

Securing smart devices is crucial in today's interconnected digital world. Here are Van Vlaanderen's top tips to help ensure the safety of your devices:

• Change default passwords and always use strong passwords.

• Update your device's firmware and software regularly. Manufacturers often release updates to fix known security vulnerabilities.

• Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication.

• Turn off any unnecessary features on the device. Disable the microphone if you don't need your smart device to listen for voice commands.

• Use a trusted home security solution like ESET to ensure your online protection and privacy.

• Educate yourself about the security features of any smart device before purchasing.

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