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“The latest DDoS attacks on five Russian banks shows just how vulnerable organisations are to inter-connected devices. It is reported the banks’ websites were flooded with data using access through webcams and other smart devices; another indication of the opportunities emerging technology is offering hacktivists. With more devices feeding into a network, more access points are created for hackers – a threat which businesses today need to take seriously.

A level of responsibility for these kinds of attacks must lie with the owner of the smart device. Too often weak or predictable passwords are used to secure devices, making them easy targets for cyber criminals. Today there is a real necessity for education around the importance of passwords and the fact that they are often the first line of defence against cybercrime, so more thought needs to be put into what people use as their passwords.

Additionally, the technology industry must segment smart devices from the networks they connect to and secure following best practise security methods appropriately. A holistic approach doesn’t work here. Smart devices need to be assessed separately. For example, a webcam has a specific purpose; so why was it allowed to access the internet in this manner, resulting in becoming an access point for hacktivists? By segmenting smart devices to implement the relevant security solutions, along with end-users ensuring high-level password security, smart-devices will be harder to use as weapons for cyber criminals.”