By Honeybadger Solutions
We connect almost everything to the internet now: thermostats, doorbells, printers, TVs, voice assistants, security cameras, access control systems, and even fish tanks. Together, these devices form what we call the Internet of Things (IOT).
The problem? Most of these devices were designed for convenience first and security last. Many ship with default or hard-coded passwords that are never changed – or in some cases, cannot be changed at all.
For attackers, this is a gold mine. Instead of attacking your hardened servers, they go after the weakest link: an insecure smart device quietly sitting on your network.
One famous example: a casino in Las Vegas was hacked through an internet-connected thermometer in a fish tank. Once the attackers gained access through that thermometer, they pivoted deeper into the network and accessed sensitive systems.
At Honeybadger Solutions, we make sure your “smart” devices don’t become “smart” entry points for cybercriminals.
The Hidden Risk of Smart Devices
Smart devices feel harmless. After all, what damage could a smart fridge or thermostat do? In reality, any device connected to your network can be used as a stepping stone into more critical systems.
Common IoT problems include:
- Default usernames and passwords that are never changed
- Outdated firmware with unpatched vulnerabilities
- No built-in logging, monitoring, or security controls
- Devices exposed directly to the internet via port forwarding or misconfigured routers
The more IoT devices you have, the larger your attack surface becomes.
The Honeybadger IoT Audit
For clients in Scottsdale and Phoenix, Honeybadger Solutions offers a structured IoT security audit to identify and reduce these risks in both smart offices and smart homes.
1. Inventory: Discover Every Connected Device
You can’t secure what you don’t know exists. We begin by scanning your network to identify every connected device:
- Smart TVs, speakers, and streaming boxes
- Security cameras and NVRs
- Access control panels and doorbells
- Printers and copiers
- Thermostats, lighting, and environmental controls
- Specialty devices like fish tank thermometers or industrial sensors
Most clients are surprised by how many devices are quietly talking on their network.
2. Isolation: Segmenting High-Risk Devices
Once we know what’s connected, we design a network structure that limits how far an attacker can move if they compromise one device.
A critical step is placing vulnerable or externally exposed devices on separate segments, such as:
- Dedicated VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) for security cameras, building systems, and IoT devices
- Segregation of guest traffic from corporate traffic
- Isolating high-value systems (servers, executive devices, financial systems) from general IoT networks
For example, we ensure your security cameras are on a separate VLAN. If a camera is hacked, the attacker should never be able to reach your main server or critical business systems.
3. Firmware & Configuration Hardening
The next layer is improving the security of each device itself:
- Ensuring firmware is updated to the latest stable version
- Disabling default or unused accounts where possible
- Changing default passwords to strong, unique credentials
- Turning off unnecessary remote access and open services
- Configuring secure encryption and communication options when available
We don’t just plug devices in and hope for the best – we harden them against known attack methods.
Smart Devices Need Smart Security
IoT is not going away. In fact, the number of connected devices in homes and offices is growing every year. The goal isn’t to stop using smart technology – it’s to use it safely.
With the right design, segmentation, and maintenance, you can enjoy the benefits of IoT without turning your home or office into an open door for attackers.
Smart devices need smart security – and that’s where Honeybadger Solutions comes in.
Contact Honeybadger Solutions
Ready to secure the smart devices in your Scottsdale or Phoenix home or office? Get in touch with us today:
- Web: www.honeybadgersolution.com
- Phone: 602-725-2818
- Email: [email protected]
Let us make sure the next device that connects to your network doesn’t become the way an attacker gets in.