CCTV News: According to the WeChat official account of the Ministry of Security, driven by the wave of digitalization, the Internet of Things has been integrated into our lives, bringing us many conveniences, while overseas spy intelligence agencies are also increasing the risk of stealing sensitive information and carrying out cyber attacks through the Internet of Things.

The security of the Internet of Things cannot be underestimated

The Internet of Things is the Internet where everything is connected. From smart watches worn by individuals to traffic control in smart cities, there is support from the Internet of Things behind it. It connects items with the Internet through various sensors, radio frequency identification technology, global positioning systems, etc., to achieve intelligent identification, positioning, tracking, monitoring and management.

Compared with traditional Internet computers, mobile phones and other devices, the computing resources of IoT devices are limited and the security mechanism is simple. They are also "ubiquitous" and online for a long time, so they may be more likely to have security vulnerabilities and become the target of cyber attacks. If we do not pay more attention, creating convenient Internet of Things devices may also become the "six-mile eyes" and "happy ears" of overseas spy intelligence agencies, endangering our national security.

What are the security risks of the Internet of Things?

——The default password hides risks. Many smart devices come with default passwords when leaving the factory. If they are directly connected to the network or only set weak passwords, overseas spy intelligence agencies may easily break through the password defense line and enter the management interface. Especially, communication equipment such as smart cameras and walkie-talkies, once controlled overseas, can monitor sensitive and confidential places in real time, becoming a tool for spying on my secrets and intelligence.

——Software defects become vulnerabilities. After the product is released, some IoT devices lack regular updates, resulting in security vulnerabilities in the system, providing overseas spy intelligence agencies with an opportunity to take advantage of. They may implant malicious programs through vulnerabilities, conduct remote attacks on devices, causing system crashes, and even tamper with software operation logic and send confidential data to designated servers abroad.

———Network connections bury hidden dangers. Information exchange between IoT devices is inseparable from network support. When smart wearable devices and mobile office terminals automatically connect to the network, if they lack appropriate security verification, they may be trapped by the "phishing hot spots" set by overseas spy intelligence agencies, resulting in the leakage of sensitive data and commercial secrets.

——The lack of guarantee for data transmission. If the transmission of IoT data is not fully encrypted and protected, the transmitted content will be easily monitored, stolen or even tampered with. Overseas spy intelligence agencies may accurately capture and filter out sensitive information from complex network channels through packet capture, data analysis and other means.

Tips from the National Security Agency

——Technical protection, strengthening the foundation. Relevant IoT enterprises and institutions should increase investment in the research and development of core IoT security technologies and lay a solid foundation for IoT security from the bottom. We must do a good job in software and system vulnerability repair, security update and other maintenance work during the life cycle of IoT devices.

——Strengthen management and social protection. Enterprises and institutions, especially confidential units, should pay attention to the network security of the office environment, regularly inspect IoT devices, establish a network security protection system, and attach importance to strengthening data security management and conducting security audits regularly to form a strong synergy for the whole society to build a security line of IoT.

——Popular science and knowledge, and people are in defense. The general public should enhance their awareness of network security, learn network security knowledge, and develop good habits such as regularly changing device passwords and prudently connecting to unfamiliar networks. When purchasing IoT devices, it is recommended to purchase them from formal channels and pay attention to choosing devices that have been safely tested.

In the era of the Internet of Things, national security cannot be ignored. Citizens should consciously strengthen their security awareness and be vigilant. If they find suspicious behaviors, they can report them through the 12339 National Security Agency reporting and acceptance telephone number, the online reporting and acceptance channel (www.12339.gov.cn), the WeChat official account of the Ministry of Security, or directly report to the local national security agency.