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12 Internet of Things hacks and why you need to lock down your smart home in 2019

The most high-profile Internet of Things hacks and vulnerabilities - and how to protect your own smart home devices

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Computers and smartphones aren't the only gadgets in our lives in danger of getting hacked. Smart home security cameras, children's toys and even our routers, the device that takes us on the internet, are all vulnerable. However, that doesn't seem to be deterring people from buying connected devices.

We like these smart speakers, robot vacuums and video doorbells so much, that the smart home market is expected to hit $53.6 billion by 2022 (up from $24.1 billion in 2016), according to insurance company Assurant.

As we bring more connected products into our home in the coming new year, it's helpful to take steps to protect smart home devices from online attackers, the best that we can. Here are some famous hacks — and what consumers can do to try and thwart these attacks.

Jeep Cherokee

Fiat Chrysler

Finally, the infamous Jeep hacking incident of 2015 saw security researchers demonstrate how they could remotely take control of the infotainment, climate, and driving systems of a Jeep Cherokee.

Hackers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek demonstrated how they could remotely take control of the car's stereo, windshield wipers, climate system, and even the transmission, cutting the power of a moving car with the press of a keyboard key, then putting images of themselves on the dashboard display.

This demonstration was performed with a willing journalist behind the wheel, and since the hackers made their discoveries Fiat Chrysler fixed the vulnerabilities. But with cars becoming ever more connected and autonomous, the need for manufacturers to make cyber security a top priority is more pressing than ever.

Car hacking can be mitigated against by changing the default passwords of its web-connected services, and ensuring the key fob cannot be hijacked when parked up at night - an increasingly common form of theft - preventing hackers from gaining physical access to the vehicle and its computer systems.


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