The Cybercrime Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation has warned that smart devices may turn into a hidden gateway for hacking, without the user noticing, in light of the increasing targeting of “Internet of Things” devices inside homes.
The division explained that these devices, which include smart TVs, surveillance cameras, thermostats, refrigerators, fitness trackers, and even children’s toys, have all become targets for hackers seeking to include them in secret networks known as “botnets.”
The danger is that these devices are not only targeted for disruption, but may later be used to launch cyberattacks, pass malicious Internet traffic, or hide the true source of attackers’ activities.
According to the warning, hackers do not always rely on phishing messages or suspicious links to access these devices, but rather often exploit weak default passwords, systems that have not been updated in a long time, or undiscovered vulnerabilities.
There are three main signs that may indicate that your smart device has been hacked without your knowledge. First, abnormally high data consumption, due to hidden activity in the background. Secondly, a sudden increase in the Internet bill, especially if the subscription is based on the volume of usage. Thirdly, the device itself slows down or the performance of the Wi-Fi network deteriorates, due to the malware consuming system resources.
The severity of these attacks is exacerbated by the fact that hackers use the victim’s connection and digital address to carry out their activities, providing them with a cover that is difficult to trace directly.
To reduce this risk, it is recommended to change default passwords immediately, make sure to install security updates regularly, and monitor data consumption periodically to detect any abnormal activity. (Russia Today)
