Cyber Security Council: 70% of smart home devices are vulnerable to electronic breakthroughs
Abu Dhabi, September 7 / WAM / The UAE is constantly keen to build a safe cyber space that protects users from the growing digital risks, and keeps pace with accelerating technical developments, within a comprehensive national vision to enhance confidence in the state’s digital system, and to enhance the culture of cybersecurity to raise the level of digital awareness of families and individuals and enhance cybersecurity practices in a way that guarantees the safety of citizens and residents and their privacy in an era Right digital transformation.
Modern technologies in homes, which are involved under the umbrella of the “smart home” such as sound aid, monitoring devices, smart systems for lighting and air conditioning, are the target of hackers, especially in light of the weak digital security awareness of some users, and some dependence on the virtual settings of devices.
The Cyber Security Council of the UAE government warned of the increasing electronic attacks targeting smart homes, explaining that 70% of the Internet of Things used inside these homes are vulnerable to electronic attacks in the event that the necessary digital security measures are not taken.
The council explained to the Emirates News Agency “WAM”, that the most dangerous behaviors that can expose users to hack include keeping the voice assistant in the case of permanent operation and automatic internet connection without making sure of the network safety, in addition to sharing the main Wi -Fi password with the guests, as these practices may open technical gaps that allow attackers to access home data and control devices away.
The council shed light on the risks associated with the use of children’s monitoring devices that are widely used in many homes, indicating that these devices can be easily penetrated by the hackers if they are not secured, allowing them to register conversations and track movements inside the house or even talk directly with the child or individuals at home.
To face these challenges, the Cyber Security Council called for following 3 basic preventive recommendations, including “using strong passwords, and updating smart devices systems continuously, in addition to controlling all smart devices via one central device to reduce possible entry points.”
The Council stressed the importance of stopping the operation of sound aid when it is not needed, activating the safety and privacy settings in all smart devices, and advised users to choose the devices according to their real needs only, and avoid connecting devices to the Internet without necessity, and also recommended the necessity of separating the Internet for smart devices from the main home network.
The Cyber Security Council had launched a weekly awareness campaign within the Cyber Pulse Initiative; Where the fourth week of the campaign this year carries the slogan “threats facing smart homes” with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of updating digital programs and systems and providing instructions for how to confront various cyber threats.
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