Check Point has issued a warning about the management of our personal data by smart devices and mobile applications. Although privacy is a fundamental right, many people are unaware of the amount of sensitive information they share daily through wearables, smartphones and voice assistants.
These devices collect extremely detailed data about our lives, from sleep patterns and heart rate to voice analysis and online behavior. The amount of information these devices can obtain exceeds even what a doctor or close family member could know about us. Information that is often used for personalized advertising and, in some cases, shared with third parties, including governments, without users’ explicit consent.
“As part of this effort, at Check Point Software we have launched Quantum IoT Protect Nano Agent, a solution designed for IoT device manufacturers to comply with privacy and security standards, offering comprehensive protection against cyber threats,” highlights Eusebio Nieva, technical director. of Check Point Software for Spain and Portugal.
Increase in cyber attacks and growth of IoT
Check Point Research has noted a worrying increase in cyberattacks globally. In the third quarter of 2024, the average incidence of cyber attacks per company and week in Spain reached 1,775, representing a 100% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This increase underlines the importance of proactively addressing device security IoT to mitigate risks for both users and companies.
The capabilities and optimizations offered by the IoT, both in the consumer and industrial sectors, have accelerated its adoption exponentially. In 2020, there were 9.7 billion IoT devices deployed worldwide, and this number is estimated to reach 29 billion by 2030, an increase of nearly 200%. This growth poses new challenges in cybersecurity and highlights the urgent need to protect these devices against vulnerabilities and possible cyberattacks.
Check Point Software warns about IoT devices collecting sensitive user data, as governments and companies face challenges to protect privacy in a connected world
Changes in the perception of privacy
A case that changed the perception of privacy was the Facebook and Cambridge Analytica scandal in 2018, when millions of data were used without authorization in political campaigns. Since then, the debate has expanded to include topics such as national security and data misuse by authoritarian regimes.
Regulations and global challenges
Governments and international organizations are strengthening privacy with laws that return control of data to citizens and demand transparency from companies. These regulations, which prioritize individual freedom and reject intrusive surveillance, are transforming local politics and international relations. Many democracies are limiting vulnerable foreign devices, reaffirming their commitment to ethical and secure data management.
It is becoming increasingly clear that this is not a hypothetical threat. Governments around the world are actively fighting the security and privacy implications posed by IoT devices, particularly those from vendors with potential ties to state surveillance. In response, several regulatory and legal actions are being taken:
- Prohibitions and restrictions on high-risk suppliers: Foreign devices have been limited in critical infrastructure, such as government buildings, to reduce the risk of espionage.
- Data protection and privacy laws: Regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) require transparency and explicit consent in data collection, although compliance with foreign companies remains a challenge. In Europe, the new Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) expands security requirements for connected devices, forcing manufacturers to meet privacy standards if they wish to operate in the European market.
- Safety standards for devices– Various laws require basic security measures, such as prohibiting default passwords, to protect devices in sensitive environments such as government agencies.
In conclusion, the growing adoption of IoT devices and increase in cyberattacks underscore the need for greater awareness and robust security measures to protect users’ privacy and personal data. Collaboration between governments, businesses and consumers is essential to address these challenges and ensure a safe and reliable digital environment.
