Time to see the light ? ( wifi passwords at risk )

[bernardgreen]

Smart lightbulb and app vulnerability puts your Wi-Fi password at risk

We take a look at reports that a smart lightbulb and app vulnerability could potentially put your Wi-Fi password at risk.

tinyurl.com

Smart lightbulb and app vulnerability puts your Wi-Fi password at risk​

Posted: August 25, 2023 by Christopher Boyd

New research highlights another potential danger from IoT devices, with a popular make of smart light bulbs placing your Wi-Fi network password at risk. Researchers from the University of London and Universita di Catania produced a paper explaining the dangers of common IoT products. In this case, how smart bulbs can be compromised to gain access to your home or office network.

 

[ericmark]

Does it matter? I will not do internet banking, there is nothing worth taking from my computers.

I do use smart devices a lot, many do not like working with the computer, they need a tablet or phone.

Yes people can mess around, grand children have been know to say hey Google set alarm for 2 am, but passwords are a pain, I forget what they are.

 

[mattylad]

It's not that hard to setup a 2nd wifi system for use only by the IOT things, thus keeping your computers safe.

 

[foxhole]

Where’s the danger?

 

[pcaouolte]

Where’s the danger?

It seems that someone who already has access to your network might be able to impersonate a lightbulb and gain access to your WiFi password. But if they are already on your network they either already have your password or they didn't need it.

 

[Alec_t]

It seems that someone who already has access to your network might be able to impersonate a lightbulb

Are they bright or dim?

 

[Winglet]

This is all down to many gadgets or unbranded smart gadgets that often come from China. They will have rarely updated or old firmware which means they could have holes and be exploited.
I recommend that if you have any gadgets that might not be 100% up to date or able to get the latest security updates to put them on their own isolated wifi network. This can be done with certain routers and will mean they cant access your private networks.

 

[pcaouolte]

This is all down to many gadgets or unbranded smart gadgets that often come from China. They will have rarely updated or old firmware which means they could have holes and be exploited.
I recommend that if you have any gadgets that might not be 100% up to date or able to get the latest security updates to put them on their own isolated wifi network. This can be done with certain routers and will mean they cant access your private networks.

I've often seen that recommended and I have no problem with it, but it is not obvious to me how someone can exploit an insecure device on my network without already being connected to my network.

 

[brig001]

Some use Bluetooth to set them up, others make their own wifi hotspot. Maybe it’s one of those that gives them access

Brian