MORE: Beware the ticking Internet of Things security time bomb
"As more businesses and homeowners use web-connected devices to enhance company efficiency or lifestyle conveniences, their connection to the Internet also increases the target space for malicious cyber actors," the FBI warns. "Similar to other computing devices, like computers or Smartphones, IoT devices also pose security risks to consumers."
The FBI cites "deficient security capabilities and difficulties for patching vulnerabilities in these devices, as well as a lack of consumer security awareness," with giving cybercrooks an opening to plot attack and steal information.
The Universal Plug and Play protocol (UPnP) is particularly vulnernable, as are devces with default passwords and open Wi-Fi connections, the FBI states.
FBI recommendations for protection include: