Latest Amazon Security Patch Highlights IoT Cybersecurity Risks
Is the information you share on Amazon Echo safe? Find out how a new Amazon update highlighted the brave new world of risks of voice search & IoT devices
These devices are in our homes, our businesses, our cars and hands. And after a short time, many of us would now struggle to live without them. Alexa, How many teaspoons in a tablespoon again?
But as with any new and widely used technology, criminals look for new ways to exploit those using the technology. They seek out vulnerabilities. They test the waters to see which holes in the technology they can leverage for personal gain.
That’s why Amazon recently beefed up security on the Echo. And we’ll look at how this highlights a major security risk in these devices and other IoT.
Amazon Echo Vulnerabilities
In October 2019, Straits Times reported that a Slovakian cybersecurity group reported that they’d discovered a previously unknown threat in Amazon Echo and Kindle devices.
They found that this oversight would allow someone to intercept transmitted signals, which they could then use as surveillance to gather information about you. Cybercriminals are experts at pulling various unrelated information together to create personal profiles they can use to steal your identity, learn which institutions you do business with and even where your kids go to school.
Really, nothing is off-limits.
Amazon Responds to Echo Security Concerns
Amazon responded that they have a team on it. They’re taking action to eliminate the discovered risks. Some of these measures include:
- Disallowing certain third-party software
- Reviews of device security
- Development of new software and encryption for the devices
Demonstrating Amazon’s commitment to a fast response, soon after the report came out, Echo and Kindle users had updates pushed out to their devices. These updates address the found risks. But as with all technology, new vulnerabilities are sure to be discovered.
And while Amazon may have dodged a bullet on this one, it does highlight growing cybersecurity risks as we become more connected and the importance of understanding those risks and protecting ourselves.
IoT Cybersecurity & Business
While I personally have welcomed voice speakers and other Internet of Things (IoT) into my home and office, I do remain aware of the risks of these devices.
Anything that’s connected to the Internet–which is the case with IoT devices–is at risk.
It’s important that individuals and businesses assess these risks when integrating these devices. We should put systems in place to secure our connections, the data transmitted and the connected device itself.
Follow my blog to explore the latest discovered risks to home and business security and learn how we can help you secure your technology infrastructure.
