Debunking IoT Security Basics: Even the Simplest Gadget Possibly Puts Data at Risk
In the rapidly expanding world of connected devices, a growing concern has emerged regarding the security of these technologies. In 2021, connected cars and smart devices were hacked primarily through vulnerabilities in their wireless communication interfaces, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and IoT protocols [1]. This exposes significant security risks, including unauthorized remote control, data theft, and device manipulation.
For connected cars, attacks have exploited weaknesses like hardcoded credentials, insecure IoT communication protocols (e.g., MQTT), and insufficient security in diagnostics services. A chilling demonstration of this was seen in 2025 when white-hat researchers remotely hacked a pre-production battery-electric vehicle, gaining control over safety-critical systems and enabling vehicle theft due to poor credential management and weak network protections [1]. Earlier, critical vulnerabilities in car Bluetooth stacks (like BlueSDK) allowed remote code execution on vehicle systems, potentially enabling hackers to control millions of cars remotely [2, 5].
IoT products, in general, face similar risks, with unauthorized access, exposure of personal data, and the potential for large-scale deployment of malicious software being major concerns. Data breaches have occurred, such as the Toyota’s T-Connect telematics service breach, which affected almost 300,000 users’ emails and control numbers [3]. These risks are amplified by insufficient identity management and lack of secure onboarding of devices.
To mitigate these issues, automotive cybersecurity standards (e.g., ISO/SAE 21434 and UN R155) emphasize strong identity management, secure device onboarding, and robust software update mechanisms. Protocols like FIDO’s passwordless authentication and device onboarding provide paths to comply with these standards, reducing risk from credential theft, phishing, and unauthorized software injection [4].
Smart devices, including smart light bulbs and wearables, have also been found to have vulnerabilities. For instance, hackers were able to obtain Wi-Fi network passwords from smart light bulbs [6]. The popular market for health and fitness devices and smartphone apps has doubled in the last year, but security should be a priority when purchasing these devices. This includes backing up data, using strong passwords, implementing biometric authentication whenever possible, and considering user reviews when making purchases [7].
Cars, such as the Jeep Cherokee and Tesla Model S, have also been hacked this year through their entertainment systems [8]. However, hacking of smart medical devices like pacemakers is highly unlikely at present due to lack of direct Internet connection and consumer concerns over phone transmitters in the body [9].
IoT devices, such as smart fridges and light bulbs, should be considered as potential points of entry for hackers. A recent example is the Samsung smart refrigerator, which was exposed to have a man-in-the-middle vulnerability, providing hackers with access to the owner's network and Gmail login credentials [10]. Research by Symantec threat researcher Candid Wueest points out that developers are not prioritizing security and privacy in wearable devices [11]. To secure your data if a wearable device is stolen, consider buying one that comes equipped with remote-lock capabilities.
In summary, the core security risks from connected cars and IoT devices stem from insecure wireless interfaces, hardcoded or weak credentials, vulnerabilities in IoT communication protocols, poor identity management and device onboarding, and exposure of user personal data through telematics services. These create potential consequences such as remote vehicle takeover, theft, privacy breaches, and supply chain attacks on connected ecosystems, underscoring the critical need for improved implementation of cybersecurity standards and authentication mechanisms in IoT and connected vehicles.
Sources: 1. [Source 1] 2. [Source 2] 3. [Source 3] 4. [Source 4] 5. [Source 5] 6. [Source 6] 7. [Source 7] 8. [Source 8] 9. [Source 9] 10. [Source 10] 11. [Source 11]
- The growing concern in data-and-cloud-computing, specifically in the realm of connected devices, is the vulnerability of technology systems to cybersecurity threats, such as those discovered in connected cars and smart devices.
- To effectively address these cybersecurity risks associated with data-and-cloud-computing and technology, it is essential to prioritize strengthening identity management, securing device onboarding, and implementing robust software update mechanisms, as emphasized by automotive cybersecurity standards.
