10 Proven Tips to Secure Your IoT Devices from Hackers (2024 Guide)

Imagine waking up to find your smart thermostat cranked to 90°F, your security camera feed streaming on a hacker forum, or your voice assistant ordering hundreds of dollars’ worth of products you never requested. These aren’t scenes from a cyberpunk thriller—they’re real risks in today’s Internet of Things (IoT) landscape.

By 2025, experts predict over 75 billion coected IoT devices worldwide, from smart fridges to industrial sensors. But here’s the catch: 98% of IoT traffic is unencrypted, making these devices prime targets for cybercriminals. Whether you’re a homeowner with a handful of smart gadgets or a business managing a fleet of coected sensors, securing your IoT ecosystem isn’t optional—it’s essential.

In this guide, we’ll break down 10 actionable tips to lock down your IoT devices, explain why IoT security matters (beyond just avoiding inconvenience), and share real-world examples of what happens when things go wrong. By the end, you’ll have a step-by-step checklist to harden your devices against even the most determined hackers.

Spoiler alert: Some fixes take less than 5 minutes, while others require a bit more effort—but all are worth it to keep your data (and sanity) intact.

Why IoT Security Matters More Than You Think

IoT devices are like the digital equivalent of leaving your front door unlocked. Here’s why they’re so vulnerable—and why hackers love them:

The IoT Security Problem

Weak Default Credentials: Many devices ship with passwords like admin/admin or 123456, which hackers can guess in seconds.
Lack of Updates: Unlike your phone or laptop, IoT devices often never receive security patches, leaving old vulnerabilities exposed.
No Built-In Security: Manufacturers prioritize cost and convenience over security, meaning features like encryption or firewalls are often missing.
Botnet Recruitment: Hacked IoT devices are frequently enslaved into botnets (like the infamous Mirai botnet) to launch massive DDoS attacks.

Real-World IoT Hacks (And Why They Should Scare You)

Think IoT hacks are rare? Think again:

2016 Mirai Botnet: Hackers infected 600,000 IoT devices (mostly cameras and routers) to take down major websites like Twitter, Netflix, and Reddit.
2019 Ring Camera Breach: Families reported hackers spying on children and taunting them through smart cameras due to weak passwords.
2021 Florida Water Plant Hack: A hacker increased sodium hydroxide levels in a city’s water supply by 100x after breaching an unsecured IoT system.
2023 Smart TV Exploits: Researchers found vulnerabilities in popular TV brands that allowed hackers to steal Wi-Fi passwords and spy on users.

The scariest part? Most victims never realize they’ve been hacked until it’s too late. That’s why proactive security is non-negotiable.

10 Tips to Secure Your IoT Devices from Hackers (Step-by-Step)

Now for the good news: You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect your IoT devices. Follow these 10 tips to lock down your smart home or business IoT network.

1. Change Default Credentials Immediately (The #1 Mistake People Make)

Most IoT devices come with default usernames and passwords (e.g., admin/password). Hackers scan the internet for these defaults and exploit them in minutes.

How to fix it:

Check the device manual or sticker for default credentials.
Log in to the device’s web interface or app.
Navigate to Settings > Security > Change Password.
Use a strong, unique password (12+ characters, mix of letters, numbers, and symbols).
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if available.

Pro Tip: Use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

2. Keep Firmware and Software Updated (The Low-Effort, High-Impact Fix)

Outdated firmware is like leaving your windows open for hackers. Manufacturers release updates to patch vulnerabilities, but most users never install them.

How to check for updates:

Automatic Updates: Enable this in the device settings (if available).
Manual Updates: Check the manufacturer’s website or app for firmware updates.
Schedule Reminders: Set a calendar alert to check for updates every 3 months.

Example: In 2020, a critical vulnerability in smart plugs allowed hackers to control power grids. A simple firmware update fixed it—but only for those who installed it.

3. Segment Your Network (Because Your Fridge Doesn’t Need Access to Your Bank Account)

Most people coect all their devices to one Wi-Fi network. If a hacker breaches your smart bulb, they can pivot to your laptop or phone. Network segmentation stops this.

How to do it:

Access your router settings (usually via 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
Create a separate network (VLAN or Guest Network) for IoT devices.
Name it something like IoT_Network and set a strong password.
Coect only IoT devices to this network (keep phones/laptops on the maietwork).

Why it works: Even if a hacker compromises your smart speaker, they can’t access your primary devices.

4. Disable Uecessary Features (Less Functionality = Less Risk)

IoT devices often come with uecessary features enabled by default, like:

Remote access (do you really need to control your coffee maker from Bali?)
Voice control (if you don’t use it, disable it)
UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) – a common attack vector
Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Direct (if not needed)

How to disable them:

Open the device’s app or web interface.
Go to Settings > Advanced > Network/Coectivity.
Turn off any features you don’t use.

Example: In 2018, hackers exploited UPnP vulnerabilities in routers to infect 45,000 devices with malware.

5. Use Physical Security (Because Sometimes the Threat Is Offline)

Not all IoT attacks happen over the internet. Physical tampering (e.g., someone unplugging a device or inserting a malicious USB) is a real risk, especially for businesses.

How to secure devices physically:

Tamper-Proof Enclosures: Use protective casings with locks or seals for critical devices (e.g., industrial sensors, outdoor cameras).
Strategic Placement: Mount cameras high up and place hubs in locked cabinets.
Alarm Systems: Use vibration sensors or door alarms to detect tampering.

Real-World Use Case: A casino was hacked after attackers physically accessed a smart fish tank in the lobby and used it to steal data.

6. Enable and Monitor Your Firewall (Your First Line of Defense)

A firewall blocks unauthorized access to your network. Most routers have one, but it’s often disabled by default.

How to enable and configure it:

Log in to your router settings (check the manual for the IP address).
Navigate to Security > Firewall.
Enable the firewall and set the security level to High.
(Optional) For advanced protection, install a third-party firewall like pfSense or OPNsense.
Check firewall logs weekly for suspicious activity (e.g., repeated login attempts from unknown IPs).

Pro Tip: Use Shodan to scan your public IP and see if any IoT devices are exposed.

7. Disable Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) (The Hidden Backdoor)

UPnP is designed to make device discovery easy, but it’s also a hacker’s best friend. It allows devices to open ports on your router without your permission.

How to disable UPnP:

Access your router settings.
Look for UPnP under Network > LAN or Advanced.
Toggle it OFF.

Why it’s dangerous: In 2021, researchers found that 81% of UPnP-enabled devices were vulnerable to attacks.

8. Use a VPN for Remote Access (Because Public Wi-Fi Is a Nightmare)

If you need to access your IoT devices remotely (e.g., checking your home camera while traveling), never coect directly over the internet. Use a VPN to encrypt the coection.

How to set it up:

Choose a reputable VPN (e.g., ProtonVPN, IVPN).
Install the VPN on your router (to protect all devices) or on the device you’re using to access IoT gadgets.
Coect to the VPN before accessing your IoT network.

Alternative: Use remote access tools like Tailscale or TeamViewer with 2FA enabled.

9. Audit Third-Party Integrations (Because Not All Apps Are Trustworthy)

Many IoT devices integrate with third-party services (e.g., IFTTT, Google Home, Alexa). While convenient, these can be security risks if the service is compromised.

How to stay safe:

Review Permissions: Check what data each integration can access (e.g., does your smart bulb app really need your location?).
Remove Unused Integrations: Delete old or unused app coections.
Research Before Adding: Google “[Service Name] + security breach” before coecting.

Example: In 2020, a smart home app leak exposed 2 million users’ data due to poor third-party security.

10. Monitor Device Activity (Because Prevention Isn’t Enough)

Even with all these precautions, you need to monitor for suspicious activity. Signs of a hacked IoT device include:

Unusual network traffic (e.g., your camera uploading data at 3 AM).
Devices turning on/off randomly.
Unknown IP addresses in your router logs.
Slow internet speeds (could indicate a device is part of a botnet).

Tools to monitor IoT devices:

Fingbox – Tracks all devices on your network.
GlassWire – Monitors bandwidth usage per device.
Pi-hole – Blocks malicious traffic at the DNS level.

IoT Security Best Practices (Beyond the Basics)

Want to take your IoT security to the next level? Here are advanced tips for tech-savvy users:

For Home Users:

Use a Dedicated IoT Router: Set up a secondary router just for IoT devices.
Disable Cloud Features: If your device works locally (e.g., smart lights), disable cloud sync to reduce exposure.
Regular Backups: Backup configurations for critical devices (e.g., NAS, smart hubs).

For Businesses:

IoT-Specific Antivirus: Tools like Kaspersky IoT Security scan for vulnerabilities.
Zero Trust Architecture: Require authentication for every device trying to access the network.
Penetration Testing: Hire a security firm to ethically hack your IoT setup and find weaknesses.

For Developers:

Secure Coding Practices: Follow OWASP IoT Top 10 guidelines.
Hardware Security Modules (HSMs): Use HSMs for cryptographic key storage.
Regular Audits: Conduct code reviews and dependency scans for vulnerabilities.

5 Common IoT Security Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Even with the best intentions, people make these critical errors:

Assuming “Smart” = “Secure”: Myth: Newer devices are safer. Reality: Many prioritize features over security.
Ignoring Old Devices: That 5-year-old smart plug might still be on your network—and it’s likely unpatched.
Using Public Wi-Fi for IoT Management: Always use a VPN or cellular data when accessing IoT devices remotely.
Skipping the Manual: Most security settings are hidden in advanced menus—read the manual!
Overlooking Physical Security: A $5 lock can prevent someone from resetting your device to factory settings.

The Future of IoT Security: What’s Next?

The IoT security landscape is evolving rapidly. Here’s what to watch for in 2024 and beyond:

Emerging Threats:

AI-Powered Attacks: Hackers are using AI to automate IoT exploits at scale.
5G-Based Botnets: Faster networks mean bigger, faster DDoS attacks from IoT devices.
Supply Chain Attacks: Hackers are targeting manufacturers to pre-infect devices before they ship.

Upcoming Solutions:

Blockchain for IoT: Decentralized security models to eliminate single points of failure.
Post-Quantum Cryptography: Preparing for the day when quantum computers can break current encryption.
Government Regulations: Laws like the IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act (USA) are forcing manufacturers to improve security.

Bottom Line: IoT security is a cat-and-mouse game. Staying informed and proactive is your best defense.

Getting Started: Your IoT Security Checklist

Overwhelmed? Start with these 5 quick wins:

✅ Change default passwords on all IoT devices.
✅ Enable automatic updates (or set a reminder to check manually).
✅ Create a separate IoT network on your router.
✅ Disable UPnP and uecessary features.
✅ Check firewall logs for suspicious activity.

Once you’ve tackled these, move on to advanced steps like VPNs, physical security, and third-party audits.

Conclusion: Your IoT Devices Don’t Have to Be a Liability

IoT devices are incredibly convenient—until they’re hacked. The good news? Most attacks are preventable with basic security hygiene. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll:

✔️ Block 90% of common IoT attacks (like default password exploits).
✔️ Reduce the risk of becoming part of a botnet.
✔️ Protect your privacy from prying eyes (and ears).
✔️ Future-proof your setup against emerging threats.

Security isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process. Set a reminder to review your IoT security every 3 months, stay updated oew threats, and always assume hackers are probing your devices.

Your turn: Pick one tip from this list and implement it today. Even small changes make a big difference.

Want more? Subscribe for updates on IoT security trends, or check out our related guides below.

Kebun Firdaus