Among all the security threats on the Internet, if we talk about a well-known one that has been present in recent years, it is WannaCry . As we know it is a ransomware that takes advantage of existing vulnerabilities in computers. The goal, as with this type of malicious software, is to encrypt files and systems and then demand a ransom in return. Now it is attacking IoT devices in the home.
WannaCry targets IoT devices
More and more computers are connected to the Internet in our homes. It is what is known as the Internet of Things or IoT . We are talking about televisions, light bulbs, video players … In short, any device that is connected to the network.
In addition to the large number of functions they offer us, they are also suitable for hackers. After all, there are many devices and not all of them are correctly corrected. They especially take advantage of security flaws that are not patched to try to attack.
We must start from the basis that ransomware has increased in recent times. It is a way widely used by cybercriminals to earn income. However, the normal thing was that we saw attacks of this type directed at computers, both private users and companies. However, little by little they have been targeting other teams.
IoT devices have not escaped being targeted by attackers. Now WannaCry , one of the most well-known ransomware, also targets these computers so present in the home.
Why they attack the Internet of Things
Among the reasons that push hackers to use WannaCry for this type of device is that they often go unnoticed by both home and business users. That is, they do not pay the attention they should to security, they do not believe that they can really be victims of computer attacks through these devices.
Another reason is that many IoT devices have not been built to be truly protected . They do not have the same infrastructure as other more complex computer systems and that can be used against users.
If an IoT device is attacked by these types of threats, it can be the gateway to the entire network . It can be used to reach other computer equipment in a company, for example.
But without a doubt one of the most important causes is that they do not have the necessary patches . Many users do not keep this type of equipment properly updated, with the security measures that they should have. That is why we always recommend having the equipment with all the patches available. In this way, we will not leave the attackers free.
In short, WannaCry is now targeting IoT devices especially. It is a reality that this type of equipment will be more and more present in our lives and therefore we must take measures to protect them and not take risks. We leave you an article with tips to protect IoT devices.
