Smart TVs, security cameras and routers now on hackers’ radar: Symantec report
According to new report by security software provider Symantec, cyber criminals are now targeting Internet connected devices such as routers, smart TVs and security cameras.
Cyber criminals are now hacking routers, smart TVs, security cameras apart from PCs and mobile phones, says a new Symantec report.
Symantec Director, Technology Sales(India and SAARC), Tarun Kaura states millions of devices running embedded OS like Android are becoming prone to cyber attacks and malware.
Symantec recently discovered a new Linux worm that is capable of targeting small, Internet-enabled devices like set-top boxes, home routers, security cameras as well as industrial control systems in addition to traditional computers. Many users are not even aware that their devices may be at risk as they don’t know that they have devices that run on Linux. Kaura added that these devices may not hold information themselves, but can work as a gateway to access the network and enterprise data.
He added, “The number of internet-connected devices is growing and studies show there could be about 50 billion connected devices by 2020. The threat landscape has grown as security researchers have already demonstrated attacks against smart televisions, medical equipment and security cameras.”
“Many companies making these devices don’t even realise they have an oncoming security problem. These systems are not only vulnerable to an attack, they also lack notification methods for consumers and businesses,” he said.
Kaura added that users should protect themselves from such attacks by adding the basic requirement like in-built password protection into their internet enabled devices.
“Most people continue to use default passwords like ’1234’ or ‘0000’, which is easy to guess,” Kaura said adding that software vendors are now trying to notify customers and get patches for these new susceptibilities.
Source: ET