https://research.checkpoint.com/new-iot-botnet-storm-coming/
Researchers at Check Point Research are warning that they have found a new Botnet, IoTroop. It users IoT devices similar to the Mirai botnet from last year that shut down the internet mostly for the eastern US, but it is moving at a faster pace and has a larger potential damage. The article goes into detail about the vulnerabilities that IoTroop is exploiting and where it is being seen.
Amanda,
I think the IoT is ripe for spreading infection. These devices are not built with security in mind, and are difficult to update / patch (if one is even available). The problem is that people don’t think it will ever happen to them. They think, “Why would anyone want to hack me?” but don’t realize they could be a launch point for complete internet shut down. They think they will never get hacked.
It is like driving a car. People, sometimes drive a bit crazy on the roads. They weave in and out of cars, switch multiple lanes at a time, and ride the car’s “butt” in front of them. They are aware of the risks, but may not be fully aware of the consequences. The reckless driver may end up in an accident, causing a long traffic jam and affecting other drivers, or even cause their own death.
Well… A user driving on the internet, who isn’t very secure can cause other users to suffer or even destroy their own system.