Taking the Bull by the Horns

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24 June 2016 | Updated 01 January 1970

An IoT scanner that is said to offer a powerful free tool for consumers that reveals connected devices that could be vulnerable to hackers is available from BullGuard.
An internet security vendor, BullGuard believes it is launching a world first with its BullGuard IoT Scanner which allows a user to quickly scan to see if their smart devices or network are accessible to hackers.

If the person’s smart device is flagged as being vulnerable, details about the specific security issues are provided.
A recent BullGuard survey of over 6,000 UK consumers underlines the scale of the problem and the concerns that many people have about the security of their smart devices. 66% of survey respondents said they are ‘highly concerned’ about the security of connected devices, while 72% do not know how to secure them properly. The problem is set to accelerate with over 25% respondents saying they are planning on buying more smart devices in the coming 12 months.

BullGuard’s IoT Scanner uses data from Shodan.io, the first search engine for internet connected devices, to scan for vulnerable smart devices and presents results in what is claimed to be a straightforward way that anyone can understand. This includes security cameras, baby monitors, Smart TVs and wearables that may be visible to hackers. If accessible devices are found, they are flagged along with details of potential vulnerabilities. An e-mail report of scan results can help to diagnose problems further.

“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,” stated Paul Lipman, CEO, BullGuard. “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.”

Picture: Defeating the hackers may have been given a boot with the launch of the BullGuard IoT Scanner

Article written by Robin Snow | Published 24 June 2016

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