Vulnerability Assessment of Consumer IoT Systems: Case Study Household Systems
Faculty Mentor Name
Catalina Aranzazu-Suescun
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
Devices such as smart televisions, smart lighting systems, and smart cameras are widely used in both homes and workplaces, and these can potentially provide valuable data or easy access points to bad actors if not properly secured. These devices, commonly referred to as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, often store sensitive information, including account details or streaming service credentials, which may be exposed if the device is compromised. Additionally, these devices are configured, monitored, and controlled using applications with features that allow direct data sharing from mobile phones. While these capabilities improve user convenience, they also expand the potential attack surface, increasing the risk of unauthorized access, data leakage, or network intrusion.
This project examines potential security weaknesses in common IoT devices that most people have in their homes. The goal of this project is to assess whether it is possible to compromise a device’s operating system and monitor its network traffic to determine if sensitive information can be intercepted or if the device can be used as a gateway into the home network.
If the devices prove resistant to intrusion and securely transmit data, the project is still considered successful, as it demonstrates that commonly used household devices can be trusted to protect personal information such as usernames and passwords. If vulnerabilities are identified, attackers may be able to obtain credentials, browsing history, or even deeper access to the home network. In that case, the next phase of the project will focus on researching mitigation strategies and providing practical recommendations to help average consumers better protect themselves from invasive attacks.
Vulnerability Assessment of Consumer IoT Systems: Case Study Household Systems
Devices such as smart televisions, smart lighting systems, and smart cameras are widely used in both homes and workplaces, and these can potentially provide valuable data or easy access points to bad actors if not properly secured. These devices, commonly referred to as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, often store sensitive information, including account details or streaming service credentials, which may be exposed if the device is compromised. Additionally, these devices are configured, monitored, and controlled using applications with features that allow direct data sharing from mobile phones. While these capabilities improve user convenience, they also expand the potential attack surface, increasing the risk of unauthorized access, data leakage, or network intrusion.
This project examines potential security weaknesses in common IoT devices that most people have in their homes. The goal of this project is to assess whether it is possible to compromise a device’s operating system and monitor its network traffic to determine if sensitive information can be intercepted or if the device can be used as a gateway into the home network.
If the devices prove resistant to intrusion and securely transmit data, the project is still considered successful, as it demonstrates that commonly used household devices can be trusted to protect personal information such as usernames and passwords. If vulnerabilities are identified, attackers may be able to obtain credentials, browsing history, or even deeper access to the home network. In that case, the next phase of the project will focus on researching mitigation strategies and providing practical recommendations to help average consumers better protect themselves from invasive attacks.