Basic security measures can help protect against cyber attacks

The recent incident of a hacker breaking into a home-monitoring security camera — installed in an eight-year old's bedroom — and speaking to her as Santa Claus, has opened up a fresh debate around security of these 'security' cameras.

Fun for hackers, harassment for victims

It is believed that the hacker got hold of the login details from the dark web and used it to hack into the camera for fun. While it may be fun for hackers, it is harassment for victims. The hacker could see and talk to the kid without a hitch.

Incidents such as these highlight how vulnerable users really are; and calls for more stringent security measures in such devices. After the incident was reported, the company has promised to introduce additional security features in its devices, going forward.

Weak security settings led to hacking

This particular incident is believed to be a result of weak security settings. The family likely used weak passwords that failed to secure the monitoring system. When same usernames and passwords are used to access multiple online services, it increases the risk of exposure manifold. One data breach is all it takes for the hackers to get hold of the username and password and break into all the accounts.

Unfortunately, there has been a steady rise in the number of data breaches, which has resulted in hackers continually getting fresh tranches of users' personal data. This includes email addresses, phone numbers, residence addresses, credit card details, account numbers, and login details among others. Hackers use these details for bigger crimes or even sell them to other criminals and on the dark web at dirt-cheap prices.

Practice basic security hygiene

The digital world has opened up a vast window of opportunity for cyber criminals to attack and exploit the weak links for financial gain—or just fun! Users traversing the online path leave behind a lot of digital information that allows cyber criminals to orchestrate a number of crimes.

It is, therefore, recommended that users who use devices that connect to the internet must change the default passwords right at the time of installation. They must choose strong passwords, as commonly used or weak passwords only makes them more vulnerable to cyber attacks. Avoid using passwords that have already been used for other services. Also, do take the time out to change the passwords frequently. The same security measures apply for all the other online services, as well.

Consider two-factor authentication

Now-a-days, two factor authentication (2FA) is a common practice that can help fortify security by providing an extra layer of authentication. As the name suggests, 2FA requires two pieces of information to allow access to a device or service. One is usually the password and the second piece of information is something that only the user knows. It could be a one-time-password (OTP), answers to multiple questions, and so forth.

Manufacturers and businesses can only provide security features, but it is up to the users to practice basic security hygiene to ensure they do not make themselves vulnerable to potential cyber harassment.

The article has been written by Neetu Katyal, Content and Marketing Consultant

She can be reached on LinkedIn.