What is IoT?

Learn about the Internet of Things and the cybersecurity risks involved.

The term “IoT devices” refers specifically to “smart” devices and other internet-connected hardware like security cameras. “The Internet of Things” (IoT) is a term that refers to all of those devices collectively. 

Today, billions of IoT devices worldwide are connected to the internet, all compiling and sharing information. 

According to Statista, the average American has more than ten connected devices in their household. That’s over 3 billion smart devices connected to the internet in the United States alone.

Here is the problem, the more devices you own that connect to the internet, the more risk you take of becoming the victim of a cybersecurity attack. 

Cybercriminals could potentially hack your security camera, smart TV, Alexa speaker, or any other internet-connected device. 

Luckily, there are some ways to protect yourself.

Smart Devices Aren’t Hack-Proof

Even though our smart devices help us automate mundane and time-consuming tasks, they also open the door to new security risks that you wouldn’t face with traditional hardware. 

For example, during the Covid-19 pandemic, while many people stayed home and tuned in to their connected devices, cybercrime surged to new heights. The Internet Crime Complaint Center reported a 300% increase in daily complaints, quadruple the numbers experts saw before 2020. 

If you do not protect your IoT devices, your bank details, credit card numbers, health records, and other types of private data could fall into the wrong hands.

Wearable IoT devices like smartwatches are more vulnerable because they can easily connect to public WiFi networks, exposing your personal information to anyone looking for it. Smart home devices are also a significant target for hackers and data thieves. 

It’s important to take the proper precautions to keep your IoT devices secure. Some simple ways to protect your data include changing your WiFi router’s default name and password, disabling features you don’t use, keeping software up-to-date, and enabling multi-factor authentication. 

Check out the infographic below for tips on protecting your IoT devices:

IoT Opens Up New Career Paths and Job Opportunities

As our world becomes more interconnected with the use of IoT devices, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals who can protect against cyberattacks continues to skyrocket. 

The workforce is in massive need of people who know how to protect our networks, secure personal devices, and defend critical data from hackers. In fact, there’s been a shortage of cybersecurity professionals for years, with nearly 465,000 unfilled cyber positions throughout the nation.  

For those interested in learning more about a career in cybersecurity, Loyola University provides workshops and events, as well as professional training programs for learners of all professional backgrounds and skill levels. 

Want to Know More About Our Professional Training Program?

Our professional cybersecurity training program begins with a short, 30-day Introductory Course where learners can explore the career path and subject matter in-depth to see if this is the right path for them. 

After the 30-day Introductory Course, learners who decide that they want to pursue a career in cybersecurity will officially enter the Loyola University Cybersecurity Bootcamp, where they undergo an intensive 10-month training program that equips them with all of the cybersecurity skills needed to land an entry-level job in this specialty. 

Over the next 10 months, learners attend live, online classes led by cybersecurity experts, and practice hands-on cybersecurity skills via real-life attack simulations.

The curriculum includes immersive lectures and real-world simulations on essential topics like cyberinfrastructure and technologies, ethical hacking, network security, and more. 

By the end of the program, learners are career-ready, with a skill set focused on defending and preventing cyberattacks. 

Best of all? 

All learners receive 1-on-1 personalized career services, such as resume writing, interview coaching, LinkedIn profile optimization, and job placement assistance to ensure their success in the cyber workforce.