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“This latest report revealing the different levels of DDoS attacks has really highlighted the issues with the security of Internet of Things devices, with 82% of IoT adopters having experienced an attack compared with just 58% of those who have not yet done so. When internet-connected devices are hacked, it again brings to the surface the security risks we face as technology touches every aspect of daily life.

“The issue is that businesses are failing to understand what is needed for a robust application of security from the outset, whether that’s for routers, smart devices or connected cars. Various attackers use online services to look for vulnerable IoT devices, making organisations an easy target for low level cybercriminals. The worrying reality is that security is often an afterthought and security fundamentals are still not being followed such as changing default passwords. Many of the camera’s used in the recent DDoS attacks were shipped and left connected to the internet with weak credentials such as root/pass, root/admin or root/1111111, so it is little wonder these devices continue to be compromised.

“To help shift this mind-set and make securing internet connected devices easier for businesses, the Online Trust Alliance (OTA) has produced a framework in IoT security, offering guidance on how to secure embedded devices. This introduction of a kite mark standard for IoT devices is a progressive step towards ensuring safe practice is followed and that security of such devices against these types of hacks is at a premium.”