Are smart office devices like printers and thermostats creating hidden backdoors for hackers?

All answers to this question.

IoT is notoriously the "weakest link" because manufacturers often prioritize convenience over security. In late 2023, I helped a client move all their smart devices to a completely separate "VLAN" (Virtual Local Area Network). This means even if someone hacks your smart coffee machine, they are stuck in a sandbox and can't jump over to the server where you keep your client data. Always change default passwords immediately and disable features like Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) on your router.

   Answered 2025-03-07 by Cynthia Higgins

Cynthia, for a non-technical owner, is setting up a VLAN something that can be done through a standard router interface, or does it require professional network hardware?

   Answered 2025-03-09 by George Hall

• George, most "prosumer" routers have a "Guest Network" feature which acts as a basic VLAN. Just put all your IoT stuff on the guest Wi-Fi. It’s a simple, five-minute fix that effectively isolates your sensitive business computers from the less secure smart devices.

     Commented 2025-03-10 by Cynthia Higgins

Always check for firmware updates manually once a month. Many IoT devices don't auto-update, leaving them open to known vulnerabilities for years.

   Answered 2025-03-12 by Donna Hayes

• Spot on, Donna. Unpatched firmware is like leaving your back door unlocked while you have a triple-bolt lock on the front. Consistency in patching is key.

     Commented 2025-03-13 by Paul Rivera