October is Cyber Security Awareness Month in Canada, and Week 2 is all about bringing your devices “up to speed.”
Smart technology is everywhere these days. With an estimated 25 billion IoT (Internet of Things) devices now in use worldwide, things we never imagined are being connected to the internet — from toothbrushes that track brushing habits to mousetraps that send alerts and fridge cams that tell you when you’re low on milk. It seems there’s a “smart” version of almost everything.
Every office device connected to the internet represents another potential avenue for hackers to gain a foothold on your network — sometimes in surprising ways.
For example, a smart thermostat inside a fish tank was used to breach the network of a casino, proving that even “harmless” devices can become a gateway to valuable data.
Since smart technology isn’t going away, businesses need to take a closer look at how these devices are managed and secured. In this blog post, we’ll explore:
- Real-world examples of exploited IoT devices
- Common weaknesses found in smart technology
- Best practices to secure your devices
- Why you need an IoT policy — and what it should cover
The Real-World Cost of Ignoring IoT Security
When most people think of cyberattacks, they picture hackers targeting laptops, servers, or email accounts. But today, it’s often the smaller, less obvious devices that open the door.
Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting smart devices — the so-called “Internet of Things” (IoT) — because they’re easy to overlook and hard to secure. Once compromised, these gadgets can be used to steal data, spy on users, or even move deeper into the business network.
Here are a few real-world examples that highlight just how far-reaching these risks have become:
BADBOX 2.0 (2025): Malware Before the Box Even Ships
Researchers at HUMAN Security discovered a large-scale campaign in which low-cost Android-based streaming boxes and tablets were pre-infected with malware before they even left the factory. Once connected, the devices quietly joined a botnet capable of stealing data and launching attacks.
The lesson: Risk can start before you even open the box. Consult with your IT partner or managed service provider before adding new hardware to your network — especially when purchasing from unfamiliar vendors.
LG WebOS Smart TVs (2024): Unpatched Devices in the Boardroom
Bitdefender researchers found critical vulnerabilities in LG WebOS smart TVs (versions 4–7) that allowed attackers to gain full control if the devices weren’t patched. More than 90,000 TVs were found exposed online due to misconfiguration.
In many offices, these TVs are used for video conferences or presentations — and often left unpatched for years.
The lesson: Keep firmware up to date, restrict unnecessary remote access, and connect devices through secured, segmented networks.
Roku Breach (2024): Password Reuse Comes Back to Bite
Even well-known companies aren’t immune. Streaming-device maker Roku announced that 576,000 accounts had been compromised after attackers reused stolen passwords from unrelated breaches. This tactic, known as credential stuffing, succeeds when people use the same password across multiple sites.
The lesson: Enforcing unique passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all connected systems — including smart device dashboards — is critical.
Common Weaknesses in IoT and Smart Devices
Smart devices are designed for convenience, not security — and that trade-off often comes at a cost. Many businesses don’t realize how many of these gadgets are already connected to their networks, or how easily they can be exploited when left unprotected.
Here are some of the most common weaknesses found in IoT devices:
1. Default or Reused Passwords
Many devices still ship with default logins like admin/admin — and those credentials are widely available online. Even worse, staff sometimes reuse passwords across multiple devices or platforms, making “credential stuffing” attacks trivial for hackers.
Note: Credential stuffing is when cybercriminals use stolen usernames and passwords from one breach to try to access other accounts that share the same credentials.
2. Unpatched or Unsupported Devices
IoT devices don’t always receive regular software or firmware updates. In some cases, manufacturers stop providing support after just a few years. That means known vulnerabilities remain open indefinitely, giving attackers an easy way in.
3. Flat Networks with No Segmentation
In many offices, smart TVs, cameras, and thermostats share the same network as workstations and servers. This allows an attacker who compromises one IoT device to move laterally through the network and access more valuable systems.
4. Shadow IT and Unmonitored Devices
It’s common for employees to plug in smart gadgets — such as voice assistants or connected plugs — without notifying IT. These unmanaged devices often go unnoticed, unpatched, and unmonitored, creating invisible risk.
5. Consumer-Grade Tech in Business Environments
Many offices use consumer devices designed for home use, which typically lack enterprise-grade security controls or update mechanisms. Over time, these devices become soft targets.
A 2024 Consumer Reports investigation found that many smart appliances maintain constant internet connections but rarely receive security updates. Devices like smart fridges and coffee machines can quietly become long-term vulnerabilities unless isolated or replaced.
How to Improve IoT Security in Your Business
Hearing about the weaknesses in some IoT devices might sound alarming. But before you go ripping out all the smart devices in your office, let’s consider some simple steps to improving your security.
Protecting your smart office doesn’t require expensive tools — just a few consistent habits and the right partnerships. With the right approach, you can enjoy the benefits of smart technology without leaving the door open to attackers.
5 Essential Steps to Strengthen Your IoT Security
1. Strengthen Your Credentials
Use strong, unique passphrases for every device and store them in a secure password manager. Avoid using the same password across platforms or reusing old credentials.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Whenever possible, enable MFA on device management dashboards or associated cloud accounts. This simple step blocks most unauthorized access, even if a password is stolen.
3. Keep Devices Updated
Regularly install firmware updates to fix known vulnerabilities. If a manufacturer no longer provides updates, replace the device — outdated hardware is a permanent risk. Your IT team or managed service provider can help automate this process and track firmware lifecycles.
4. Segment Your Network
Keep IoT devices on a separate VLAN or guest Wi-Fi network so that even if one device is compromised, attackers can’t easily move laterally to reach your business systems. Proper segmentation is one of the most effective — and affordable — ways to contain risk.
5. Review What’s Connected
Maintain a simple inventory of every device connected to your network and review it regularly. Remove devices that are obsolete, no longer supported, or unused.
Pro Tip: Ask your IT provider to run a periodic device discovery scan to identify “rogue” or forgotten IoT devices on your network.
By following these five steps, businesses can drastically reduce their IoT attack surface — without sacrificing the convenience that smart technology provides.
Creating an IoT Security Policy for Your Business
So far, we’ve covered the weaknesses found in many IoT devices and the steps you can take to strengthen your security. But how can organizations ensure those measures are consistently applied and maintained over time?
This is where a clear, actionable policy comes into play. Securing your smart devices isn’t just a one-time setup — it’s an ongoing process. Well-defined policies help make good practices part of your company culture rather than one-time fixes.
3 Key Elements of an Effective IoT Security Policy
1. Purpose and Scope
Define why the policy exists and what it applies to. Make it clear that all internet-connected devices — from smart TVs and thermostats to printers and cameras — fall under the organization’s cybersecurity standards.
Tip: Include both company-owned and employee-connected devices to avoid “shadow IT.”
2. Roles and Responsibilities
Assign accountability by specifying:
- who approves new devices
- who manages configuration and updates
- who oversees periodic reviews
For many small and mid-sized organizations, this responsibility falls to your Managed Service Provider, who can maintain oversight, apply updates, and ensure compliance with company standards.
3. Standards for Use and Maintenance
Outline baseline security requirements for all connected devices:
- Use strong, unique credentials and MFA where possible.
- Keep firmware updated or replace devices that are no longer supported.
- Ensure devices are placed on a segmented or guest network.
- Disable unused features like remote access or UPnP.
- Require secure disposal or factory reset before decommissioning.
Policy in Practice
An IoT policy doesn’t have to be lengthy or technical — it just needs to set expectations and assign responsibility. When combined with regular oversight from your IT team or Managed Service Provider, it becomes a living part of your cybersecurity strategy rather than a document that sits on a shelf.
Good policy turns security from a reaction into a routine.
A Truly ‘Smart’ Office Is a Secure One
Smart technology has transformed the way we work — improving efficiency, comfort, and connectivity. But as the examples above show, every connected device also carries risk. You don’t have to avoid IoT, but you must manage it intentionally.
Cyber Security Awareness Month is the perfect reminder that security isn’t limited to servers and laptops — it extends to every connected device that touches your network. The good news is, most of the steps that make your business safer are simple, affordable, and sustainable when applied consistently.
If you’re unsure where to begin, partnering with a Managed Service Provider can make all the difference. Our team helps businesses audit their networks, identify hidden IoT risks, and implement the safeguards needed to keep your systems and reputation secure.
Ready to protect your smart office?
Schedule a Cyber Security Assessment with our team today and take the first step toward a more resilient business.