(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/Petrovich9)
Security vendor BullGuard has announced the launch of a free tool for consumers which reveals any IoT devices that could be vulnerable to hackers – a concern which research has proven to have stunted adoption.
In a BullGuard survey of 6,000 UK consumers, 66 percent responded they are 'highly concerned' about the security of connected devices. 72 percent said they're unaware of how to secure them, and yet 25 percent said they're planning on buying more in the next 12 months.
“The Internet of Things has moved rapidly from an early adopter market into the mainstream, but in doing so has introduced a range of new security concerns for consumers,” said Paul Lipman, CEO, BullGuard.“ We’ve made an important first step towards addressing these issues with IoT Scanner, a tool that allows anyone to check if smart devices in their home are secure.”
BullGuard's free IoT scanner will enable anyone to scan their networks easily to highlight any potential issues. The scanner uses data from the first search engine for internet connected devices, Shodan.io, and presents the results in a straightforward way.
“The responsibility for ensuring that connected devices are secure is shared between consumers, manufacturers and security vendors, and it’s important that each does their part,” Lipman added. “We have developed the BullGuard IoT Scanner to put consumers in control. It’s fast, easy and free, and offers vital peace of mind.”
After the scan is complete, if accessible devices are found they will be flagged along with details of potential vulnerabilities. An email report of scan results can help to diagnose problems further, and the scanner adds social elements for users to share notification of successful scans with friends and family to encourage them to protect their own smart devices.
In addition to BullGuard's scanner, the company is helping the 72 percent of respondents who are unaware of how to secure their IoT devices with a free downloadable guide.
You can access the BullGuard IoT Scanner on any platform, using any major browser, via this link.
Have you tried BullGuard's IoT Scanner? Share your experience in the comments below.
Interested in hearing industry leaders discuss subjects like this and sharing their IoT use-cases? Attend the IoT Tech Expo World Series events with upcoming shows in Silicon Valley, London and Amsterdam to learn more.
The show is co-located with the AI & Big Data Expo, Cyber Security & Cloud Expo and Blockchain Expo so you can explore the entire ecosystem in one place.
