Over the next five years, more than 5.6 billion Internet of Things (IoT) devices will turn into sitting ducks for cybercriminals.
We are not discussing futuristic gadgets or space-age technology. We're talking about the smart devices we use every day, like TVs, door cameras, routers, and other useful smart home gadgets.
Once these devices reach their expiration date, the manufacturers will not bother updating the software, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.
And the worst part? Almost no one seems to care.
Cybersecurity experts at ESET warn that outdated devices will soon become a playground for hackers.
Imagine your old smart camera, which you forgot about after upgrading, as part of a botnet—a network of compromised devices that collaborate to launch massive cyberattacks.
These botnets are frequently used in Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which overwhelm websites, steal data, and disrupt operations.
Remember Mozi, the botnet that controlled hundreds of thousands of IoT devices? It was finally taken down in 2023, but that is just one example. More will come.
Devices that have reached the end of their life (EOL) no longer receive security patches.
So, without updates, there is no protection. Hackers take control of these devices by exploiting vulnerabilities, and once they do, your privacy is lost.
In some cases, attackers use outdated cameras to spy—without ever knowing the login information. Scary, right?
Let's not forget about the growing number of Internet of Things devices in our lives.
With over 17 billion devices in operating as of time of writing, if just a third of them go unsupported, that’s 5.6 billion targets for cybercriminals.
These criminals have a variety of options, including cyber espionage and the use of your smart devices to launch attacks.
All you had to do was dispose of your old router or television rather than allowing it to collect dust.
However, there is a small silver lining. Some tech-savvy users repurpose their outdated devices, such as using an old iPad as a smart home controller.
But, while this sounds great, it does not address the vulnerability issue. Just because your ancient tablet is simply controlling your home's light does not mean it is safe from hackers.