Keep Your Home Office IoT Devices Secure with These Tips

Many employees have adapted to the new world of work, embracing remote and hybrid models. Standard office tools are easy to use from home – but many users also rely on IoT devices. These pose a potential risk to corporate data security.

Sophos offers seven practical tips to help you stay secure – even amid the clutter of a busy home network.

Does Every Device in the House Need to Be Online?

If the answer is “no,” remove those devices from your network entirely. Also consider whether a device needs to listen or remain constantly active. If not, simply power it off when that functionality isn’t needed.

Do I Know How to Update the Device?

If you’re unsure, consult the manufacturer’s documentation or support resources. If their guidance fails to reassure you, switching to a different device – especially one with transparent, reliable update capabilities – can significantly improve security.

Can I Configure the Device?

Security settings on tablets, smart refrigerators, robotic vacuum cleaners, and similar devices often reveal much – including how and when security updates are applied. If you choose to keep a device connected to your network, take time to understand and adjust its configuration options.

Have I Changed Risky Default Settings?

Many IoT devices ship with remote troubleshooting features enabled by default – features attackers could exploit. So too do they often come with preset, easily guessable passwords. Always review and modify these settings before connecting the device to your network.

How Much Data Am I Sharing?

If the device connects to an online service, check how much data it transmits – and how frequently. A “maximum” setting in either category warrants careful reconsideration.

Do I Control My Network?

Some home routers allow you to split Wi-Fi into two separate, independently managed networks. This is especially useful for remote work: assign work devices to one segment and personal devices – including IoT gadgets – to the other.

Who Should I Contact If Something Goes Wrong?

If your employer has an internal IT department – or provides access to technical support – reach out to designated contacts immediately upon noticing anything suspicious. Agree in advance on exactly what information your IT team needs to respond quickly and effectively. For IT departments supporting remote workers: make it easy for less technically experienced colleagues to seek expert advice. Adopting a “no question is too basic” mindset – especially when dealing with concerned or uncertain remote workers who’d rather report one anomaly too many than miss a critical threat – builds trust and fosters collegial collaboration. That’s especially vital when working alone at home and needing support.

Key Facts

IoT Attacks: In 2024, attacks targeting IoT devices surged by 400% compared to the previous year.

Unprotected Devices: 57% of enterprise IoT devices have known vulnerabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Are IoT Devices Especially Vulnerable to Cyberattacks?

Many IoT devices have limited processing power for robust security functions, rely on default credentials, receive infrequent or no firmware updates, and often operate outside standard security monitoring visibility. Basic encryption and authentication mechanisms are also commonly missing.

How Can You Protect a Corporate Network from IoT Risks?

Implement network segmentation (e.g., placing IoT devices in dedicated VLANs), apply firmware updates regularly, change all default passwords, monitor IoT traffic, and maintain an up-to-date inventory of all connected devices.

What Does the Cyber Resilience Act Require of IoT Manufacturers?

Starting in 2027, all manufacturers of connected products sold in the EU must embed security by design, publicly disclose vulnerabilities, and provide security updates throughout the product’s entire lifecycle. Violations may incur fines of up to €15 million.

More from the MBF Media Network

Header Image Source: iStock / hakule

Fact: According to NIST, the average time to compromise an unprotected IoT device is under five minutes.

Fact: In 2024, IoT-based DDoS attacks accounted for 35% of all DDoS incidents, per Netscout.

TL;DR

These devices pose a potential risk to corporate data security.
If the answer is “no,” remove those devices from your network entirely.
If you’re unsure, consult the manufacturer’s documentation or support resources. If their guidance fails to reassure you, switching to a different device – especially one with transparent, reliable update capabilities – can significantly improve security…
Security settings on tablets, smart refrigerators, robotic vacuum cleaners, and similar devices often reveal much – including how and when security updates are applied.

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