Author Archives: VPNHaus

Most IT devices have some form of remote access, whether via web browser or app. As long as devices are accessed by an authorized user from within an internal network, this isn’t a problem. Unfortunately, many devices, especially routers and smart home gateways are also accessible from the internet. And that’s where the problems begin. In fact, they have never stopped. Open remote access is among the greatest yet unfortunately inevitable threats of IT devices. Anybody who can access the management interface can control the device and usually the owner will not notice. Devices that are connected to the internet are constantly scanned and scrutinized for vulnerabilities. Open remote management interfaces should be treated as the digital equivalent of a loaded gun. It can be used but you need to know exactly what you are doing and take every possible precaution. Continue reading A priority on today’s to do list: Please secure remote access once and for all!→

Energy plants and factories have always been prime targets for delivering a devastating setback and psychological blow against an enemy. Today, successful attacks against critical infrastructure can be launched in cyberspace. In 2015, a cyber-attack on a Ukrainian power station caused a loss of power affecting 225,000 customers and the world took note. In the U.S., the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has raised concerns over the growing number of cyber attacks on industrial control networks. In response, they recently published guidelines to “provide a strategic focus on security and enhance the trust framework that underpins the IoT ecosystem.” The document calls for a combined approach. Among the measures discussed are considered connectivity and defense in depth. Managed Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections and two-factor authentication can help secure critical connections to give IIoT data traffic the in-depth protection it needs. Continue reading Careful Connections are Key to Mitigating Cyber Attacks on IIoT Systems→

Internet of things products are small, networked and unfortunately have almost always little or no security. Sometimes this is down to a lack of willingness by the manufacturer but it is also partly due to the nature of the product – small and light also means that these devices have few resources for complex security features such as encryption and packet inspection. This leads to vulnerabilities, numerous attack vectors and ultimately to a bot device which can be abused by almost anyone. Following the latest large-scale attacks that primarily use IoT devices as a digital army there is a loud demand from those who want more legislation and governments to get involved. In a hearing before the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the US House of Representatives, the security guru Bruce Schneier stated that “catastrophic risks” would arise through the proliferation of insecure technology on the Internet. Continue reading The IoT gateway next door→

At last, influential policymakers are slowly becoming aware of the damages unsecured IoT devices can cause. Recent attacks on high profile targets, exploiting cameras and routers, have attracted a lot of attention. Some of the issues will not likely be… Continue reading BSI drafts Internet of Things security recommendations→