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Tips on protecting devices from hackers

Robert Silvers, Assistant Secretary for Cyber Policy with the Department of Homeland Security, speaks to members of the Coalition for Cybersecurity Policy and Law in San Francisco, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016. The Homeland Security Department urged the technology industry to begin immediately securing millions of internet-connected devices that increasingly permeate daily life, including fitness trackers, medical implants, surveillance cameras, home appliances, digital video recorders, thermostats, baby monitors and computers in automobiles. It proposed no penalties for manufacturers that do not comply. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Robert Silvers, Assistant Secretary for Cyber Policy with the Department of Homeland Security, speaks to members of the Coalition for Cybersecurity Policy and Law in San Francisco, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2016. The Homeland Security Department urged the technology industry to begin immediately securing millions of internet-connected devices that increasingly permeate daily life, including fitness trackers, medical implants, surveillance cameras, home appliances, digital video recorders, thermostats, baby monitors and computers in automobiles. It proposed no penalties for manufacturers that do not comply. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

By Associated Press November 16, 2016 3 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – Billions of fitness trackers, medical implants, surveillance cameras, home appliances, thermostats, baby monitors and computers in automobiles now are connected as part of a rapidly expanding “internet of things.”

But many such devices were developed without security considerations. As a result, they are prime targets for hackers.

Tips to protect your devices:

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE AN “INTERNET OF THINGS” DEVICE?

If you have a device that is capable of connecting to the internet or shares information over a wireless network in your home, it is potentially insecure and can be leveraged for a cyberattack.